Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overwhelming in how tragic it is Haiti, but I've learned how I can help. Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 04/30/2012 to 05/16/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Port au Prince - Nursing, Peace and Justice

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, studying in Haiti was greatly worthwhile. I think being there for two weeks opened to my eyes to just how extreme the situation can be in other parts of the world. As an American, I felt somewhat sheltered to what the people in developing countries struggle with. Now, after returning from Haiti, I have a vested interest in continuing my work pursuing a communications career in the nongovernmental and humanitarian sector.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It seemed that some of the organizations/individuals we met with were somewhat unprepared in their lectures as to what we were there to learn. Maybe additional information would have been helpful for advance preparation.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really like staying at Healing Hands for Haiti. Meeting people that were also staying at the guest house was inspiring, as many of them are involved in humanitarian efforts.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Once you stepped out of your comfort zone and greeted the people, they were quite friendly and open. It is important to learn some Creole to show respect.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

One girl became sick and all the nurses in the program took great care of her. She was attended to very well.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Meeting with a variety of nongovernmental organizations
  • Learning about the apparent social and economic issues in Haiti
  • Meeting Americans who now live in Haiti and listening to their perspective
* What could be improved?
  • Some additional preparedness on the part of the organizations we met with
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring gatorade packets.