A variety of housing options are provided by the EFS though students are responsible for their own housing costs. In the past, students have lived with Navajo families, shared a house with other students, or rented a dormitory room. Most housing provides essential services such as running water and electricity and are located near grocery stores, laundromats, etc. We cannot guarantee that all students will have a phone where they are living, as most Navajo families do not have such services. However, you must have prior camping experience and a car, as such arrangements usually mean a much more rural and isolated environment.
Students benefit from their experience in many ways.
They also learn how to manage a qualitative database and conduct an analysis. Personal gains are also important, and sometimes outweigh the academic benefits. Students learn independence, problem-solving skills, how to work with a variety of people in a culturally different setting, and how to manage their time outside the parameters of the traditional classroom. Students also learn how to be responsive to a host community and how to negotiate roles and relationships. I also gained confidence and got real enjoyment out of doing applied academic work.