Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Building Relationships. Not Projects. Past Review

By (Trumpet Performance, Northwestern University) - abroad from 06/23/2013 to 08/20/2013 with

ThinkImpact: South Africa Institute for Health or Social Innovation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Before doing anything for community development, before asking yourself what kind of development project would fit this community the best, go out and build relationships. One project is just a project. A relationship is lifelong and both of you learn from each other. It's not just about you going to "help," but a mutual friendship that supports each other.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Actually living in the community
  • Community-Based Participatory Development
* What could be improved?
  • Logistics from the administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? All community development project should be different because they all depend on the environment and the priorities set by the people.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.