Tanzania: Living a Life of Hakuna Matata Past Review
By Daniel R (Biology, General., Clark University) for
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies
Tanzania was nothing like I expected. I never thought that people in so much desperation for basic needs and medical help could be as happy and warm-hearted as the people I became in contact with in the East African country. The program was everything I could have wanted and more. When it came to studying wildlife management (the focus of this program), there is no better field site in the world. Driving through the many national parks, we had close encounters with hyenas, giraffes, lions, elephants, gazelles, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, and any other animal you can imagine. Many “Lion King” jokes were made, because that is what driving through the national parks felt like. It felt like we were living the “Lion King”. The courses were all incredibly interesting yet still work intensive. The courses were based in the classroom yet every day we would go into the field (either a national park, a primary school, a farm, etc.) to learn hands on. The professors and staff at SFS were all helpful and incredibly nice. It is hard not to smile in Tanzania because of how happy and joyful everyone is.
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. |
The courses abroad were much more enjoyable than those in the United States in that the courses in Tanzania were very much hands on. Instead of 100% lecture, the courses in Tanzania involved a small portion of lecture in classroom and then about 80% of the course was taught in the field which makes learning much more enjoyable. The courses were still intensive but very enjoyable and rewarding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was great. I loved everything about the program and it exceeded my expectations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in bandas with other members of the program. Considering we were living in a poor third world country, the housing was very good. Do not go on this program if you are expecting to live in luxury like in Europe or America. Living is more than suitable and the entire experience is completely worth it. |
| * Food: |
Food was great. Plenty of rice and beans and the plaintains are delicious. Meat is a rarity considering the amount of water needed to store and cook it. For the vegeterians, there were plenty of options as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone is incredibly nice. It is great to be in a community where people do not stress or hurry. It puts a smile on your face to see the incredible joy that all the villagers live with. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health is a major concern in East Africa but I always felt safe. Whenever anyone got sick, the interns would quickly take us to a hospital for treatment. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people speak English but it makes you feel like you belong more if you try to speak in Swahili. Plus, all the Tanzanians love trying to teach you Swahili on the streets. We could practice Swahili with the members of the villages and also with professors and other members of the staff of SFS. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Tanzania was nothing like I expected. I never thought that people in so much desperation for basic needs and medical help could be as happy and warm-hearted as the people I became in contact with in the East African country. The program was everything I could have wanted and more. When it came to studying wildlife management (the focus of this program), there is no better field site in the world. Driving through the many national parks, we had close encounters with hyenas, giraffes, lions, elephants, gazelles, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, and any other animal you can imagine. Many “Lion King” jokes were made, because that is what driving through the national parks felt like. It felt like we were living the “Lion King”. The courses were all incredibly interesting yet still work intensive. The courses were based in the classroom yet every day we would go into the field (either a national park, a primary school, a farm, etc.) to learn hands on. The professors and staff at SFS were all helpful and incredibly nice. It is hard not to smile in Tanzania because of how happy and joyful everyone is. |
