Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Traveling through Tanzania Past Review

By (Social Work., Wartburg College) - abroad from 08/27/2013 to 11/20/2013 with

Wartburg College Diers Program: Tanzania - Community Service based at SEKOMU University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience has changed my perspective on a lot of things, and opened my eyes to some global issues such as sustainability and social inequality. I have come a long way in my spiritual journey as a direct result of my religious experiences in Tanzania. I have also become more independent while also learning the value of participating in community life. This experience has also sparked my interest in the possibility of pursuing an international career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Focused on experiential learning. Swahili course is very intense, but helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Beautiful buildings and dorms on campus at SEKOMU!

* Food:

Very sanitary, well cooked and prepared.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Lushoto, Tanzania. I felt safer there than I did in my hometown back in the US.

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? almost nothing.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn Swahili and befriend local people to avoid 'mzungu 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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2 years, but very low 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? Make friends with local people and practice daily.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • experiential learning
  • variety in experiences
* What could be improved?
  • communication (although this was liekly a cultural thing)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is possible (and seemingly simple) to extend your visa and stay longer. I would highly recommend planning a longer stay than the 90-day student visa.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.