An experiential dive to never forget Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2016 to 05/04/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language and I now know what I want to do with my career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Best teacher I have ever had. Hands down.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So much, the homestay was amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick multiple times and was right away taken to a hospital, which was always near by, and always felt very comfortable with my health.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It had an amazing teacher was in an amazing place and I loved every bit of the program.

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)

About $50 a week but you could have technically gotten by with almost no cost

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30 just for food and such,
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just don't be wasteful

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

So. Much. Was phenomenal and am nearly conversational now.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner but I continued using my language skills daily
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? Try to talk with locals as much as possible and don't be afraid to make mistakes or sound dumb, it's how you improve.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Teacher
  • Language learning
  • The culture of Tanzania
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
  • at
  • all
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't pack so damn much and bring a 2 person tent not a 1-person

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.