Worth While Experience (Get a Portable AC) February 24, 2024
By A student (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2023 to 12/22/2024 with
The Caribbean Student Support Network: Contemporary Caribbean Studies
Improved sense of self
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Roannta was great! Extremely responsive. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There is no air conditioning in Canada Hall, the ceiling fans are insufficient. Trinidad is extremely hot. The wifi was unreliable and went down frequently. There was a bee infestation, which the school handled promptly. The residential staff were great! Lots of community-oriented celebrations and programming. |
| * Food: |
The program-provided meals were great! However, the majority of the food is paid for out of pocket. Food is expensive in Trinidad, especially American pantry staples. I highly recommend budgeting, looking up a few Trini recipes, and going to the local market. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very invited and integrated into the university culture. I did not feel integrated with the outside local culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health Care costs have to be fronted, and reimbursed through Wellesley College-provided Cigna insurance. Program coordinators were extremely helpful! The hospital and healthcare facilities were great. There is mental health care available. The required vaccines include Yellow Fever for the Costa Rica trip. This particular vaccine can be difficult to get in the United States but is provided in Trinidad. |
| * Safety: |
The University of the West Indies campus is relatively safe. Students and staff are very very informative about unsafe areas on the island. Use good judgment, and travel in groups. I had no incidents. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I have come to love and appreciate so much about Trinidad & Tobago. |
Finances
|
* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Food and Transportation is very expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100+ dollars on food and transit a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to the open-air market for produce! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How hot Trinidad would be, and how difficult it would be to find fruits and vegetables I am used to. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
