Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning while Having Fun Past Review

By (Hamilton College) - abroad from 05/19/2014 to 06/13/2014 with

ThinkImpact: Rwanda - Institute for Social Innovation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) plan. I was surprised to see that innovation can happen across language barriers. It didn't matter if I didn't speak their language or if they didn't speak my language, innovation is a stronger communication channel than any language. I also learned how to adopt to a new culture when all you have is two days of orientation. I witnessed how beautiful and welcoming Rwanda and Rwandese people are. It was fantastic! It was definitely worth it!

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

The ThinkImpact team in Rwanda was well organized, responsible and approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The honestly experience was one of the best parts of the program. One night, we skipped rope at 10PM with my host mum and the entire family! It was FUN!!

* Food:

Takes a little getting used to but it is delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Community Organizers do a great job of helping scholars integrate in the community. I'm still in touch with some local people I met while I was there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Rwanda defeats the 'high-risk and unsafe' stereotype of a developing country. I felt safe while sleeping in my host's house, walking on the streets, or socializing with the locals. The local people are generally very welcoming to the scholars.

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)

The fee for ThinkImpact covers for boarding and meal. I only had to spend extra money for excursion and souvenir shopping.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The souvenir markets don't have fixed price and charge really high for 'muzungu' (i.e. foreigners). When you go shopping, don't go by yourself. Go with your Country Coordinators or someone else who knows how to negotiate well. Otherwise, you could easily pay 3X the regular price.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
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?
  • the local people
  • how organized ThinkImpact was
  • the fact that I was able to make an impact in two weeks, however small that impact may be
* What could be improved?
  • Continuous communication: I would like to hear about how the team I worked with is doing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The surprise was part of the adventure. I'm not sure if there is anything I wish I had known before. Maybe, knowing the possible projects was would have helped me choose a team sooner.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'