Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Words, pictures, and even videos, don't do it justice Past Review

By (Biology, General., Trinity University) - abroad from 07/08/2013 to 08/05/2013 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more flexible and go with the flow, because a lot of things can go wrong in Africa and you have to be patient, especially when traveling in a group of 30+ people. It was a great experience that was definitely worthwhile and taught me a lot about myself and the world around me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The coursework was interesting and fairly stimulating, but truly not very challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration on site are wonderful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was amazing considering you are in the middle of Africa.

* Food:

I was disappointed in the food, but it wasn't awful. Lots of plain rice and potatoes without much meat and no dairy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are isolated on the compound with a bunch of other American students, and you don't have much interaction with the local people. However, they make an effort to have cultural experiences alongside "touristy" ones. Also, the staff and faculty are mostly from the area and know the culture, so they serve as a great resource!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All health issues were addressed quickly to the best of their ability. Health was a top priority.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe the entire time I was there! I actually felt safer in Africa than I do most of the time in American cities.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

There are very minimal required costs besides the huge cost of the program. I spent a ton of money on souvenirs and a little money on food, but it isn't very necessary because all meals are provided.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bargain hard. Learn what reasonable prices should be for certain things and don't be afraid to walk away because I guarantee you can probably find the same exact thing in the next shop. A lot of the time if you start walking away they will give in to your asking price.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Wildlife
  • Serengeti camping
  • Students and staff
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Curriculum
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The night you fly in, no one told us this in all the information we got, but we stayed in a hostel. It was an interesting experience. Learn some Swahili because it is fun to use it with the locals!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The 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.