Not what you'd expect...but exceptional! April 05, 2026

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/17/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Local friends, cultural competency, knowledge about myself as an ecotourist

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Although I loved this program, I would not do it again. It was very academically rigorous despite lack of interesting/relevant lecture. The Directed Research component is incredibly limited. However, I made lifelong friends and was culturally immersed in such a new, beautiful, and special place.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Community engagement
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Class structure
  • Directed Research
  • Health assistance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring meds!!!!! Lots of people will get really sick. Don't be scared of the elements!