Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Freakin AMAZING. Time of my LIFE!!! Past Review

By (Comparative Literature., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/21/2014 to 12/21/2014 with

CIEE: Dakar - Development Studies in Senegal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can do anything. There is so much more outside of this bubble.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

boring classes

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't go out and buy drinks

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? Advanced
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? french 300
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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • cultural pals
  • homestay
  • trips
* What could be improved?
  • classes
  • more opportunities to meet locals
  • academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was never completely on my own. I had so much support. There was really not much to worry about.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French Advanced II
Course Department: French
Instructor: Prof. Mbaye
Instruction Language: french
Comments: he did not read any of our papers, just arbitrarily assigned grades and passed them back. He appeared completely disinterested in us and distracted during class time
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Santé Publique
Course Department: health
Instructor:
Instruction Language: french
Comments: So great! It was easy, but interesting. We went out and did a health field study.
Credit Transfer Issues: