Amazing time in East Africa Past Review
By Kristina B (Environmental Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/16/2012 with
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies
I learned a lot about Wildlife Management which was the academic topic of the semester. I also think that I learned a lot about myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something completely different. The people there have a much different perspective on life and it was great to be able to see the world through their eyes.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
They were great for the experience. The living conditions were perfectly fit to the program. They were not cushy by any standards, but you wouldn't want them to be or the whole experience would feel less genuine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There was very easy access to a clinic and the staff were very well experienced keeping us healthy and dealing with any issues that came up. |
| * Safety: |
You hear news reports about political turmoil and such, but that is mostly isolated in the cities and I felt nothing but cared for in the villages where we stayed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I spent about 650 for the whole program, spent as much as I wanted and still came home with tons of gifts and souvenirs for myself. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 8 dollars |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I learned very little from speaking Swahili in class. The best way to learn is to the people around you because they want you to learn and are very supportive. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You don't need to pack nearly as much as you think that you do. Also, bring warm clothes because it can get cold. Also, one person in your group at least should bring portable speakers. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
