Bumbling around bongo land. Past Review
By paul.krantz.3 (University of San Francisco) - abroad from 02/12/2013 to 06/21/2013 with
University of Dar es Salaam: Dar es Salaam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained some insight into the Swahili lifestyle, and life in Africa. I learned about the culture and met many cool people and students all over the country and at the University. I am a more experienced traveller and have a more informed world view because of this experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academically verz basic level classes for a native English speaker. Especially in regards to English classes. (literature or writing). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Links office can be slow and unhelpful at times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
great people, very kind |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I travelled alot and met the locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
its fine. just be aware |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Possible to live on a couple dollars a day if one wishes. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat local. Travel cheap. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Learning and praciticing the language were completely self motivated. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3rd semester (advanced level) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Get out of Dar and talk to people in Swahili where ever you go |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | That classes don't start until after the first two weeks, and that English lit and writing classes are at a middle school level by American standard. |
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.' |
