An amazing way to experience a new culture and get development experience Past Review
By Julie W (Georgetown University) - abroad from 06/15/2008 to 08/10/2008 with
ThinkImpact: South Africa Institute for Health or Social Innovation
Yes, it was absolutely worthwhile -- becoming involved and going abroad with Think Impact was probably the best decision I made during my entire college career. It opened my eyes and cemented my interest in working in international development. The practical experience from the program allowed me to land my first job after college
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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? |
ThinkImpact placed us with some of the most wonderful families -- I loved my host family and really felt like part of their family. |
| * Food: |
Good exposure to local food -- we ate what the families there ate |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This was hands down the best part of the program and the reason I'm so glad I went abroad with Think Impact. I got to spend time getting to know the local community and becoming a part of their daily life -- from joining soccer games to learning to cook local food. I love the people I met and still keep in touch with many of them. Through the program and the work we did there, I was also able to get hands-on experience in development work, namely health and education programs. This opportunity provided me practical work experience in a developing country, which helped me get my first job in the international development field after college. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No health issues |
| * Safety: |
Felt very safe due to my integration with the local community |
| 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? | Less than $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cost of living was very low in this program |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take advantage of every opportunity |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
