Tanzania: Learning through experience Past Review
By michael s (Biology, Wartburg College) for
Wartburg College Diers Program: Tanzania - Community Service based at SEKOMU University
My experience was very worthwhile. It was challanging and very rewarding to experience a new culture in the way that we did. At times the language barrier can make things difficult, but you learn to communicate with what you know and other modes of communication. My experience has opened my eyes to a new way of life. I know I will learn from this experience for years to come.
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. |
The language school material was written in the late 70's early 80's so it is dated. The school also uses a teaching method that is not used at home. At times it can be frusturating but part of that may be due to the material. The teachers are patient and more then willing to help you succeed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We only saw our site advisor for about 15 minutes a day at breakfast so we never really had a good opportunity to disscus things without other people around. Sometimes when we would express intrest in doing something in the community he would be hesitant and brush it off. The program itself is unique compared to other study abroad programs. It is a great opportunity to experience a new culture while filling some of your required gen ed requirements. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was comfortable and very safe. The grounds are very beautiful. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling to Mikumi game park, Zanzibar, and Udzungwa were three memorable traveling experiences. We also took a field trip to 'hero rats' though the language school. It was a very interesting to see an NGO and the work it is doing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt very safe and comfortable. While studying I did not experience any health related issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | This really depended on a week and what you wanted to do. All of your meals are paid for at the school so there is no reason to leave the seminary for food. However, the students at the school usually go out about once a week. A meal can range anywhere from $2 to $8 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | All expensises were included in the cost of the program. There are ATMs available in town that are safe to use. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none. |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We used Swahili while in town but at the school itself most spoke English or their native language. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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