An adventure that I would have on repeat! Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government, Other, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2014 to 12/21/2014 with
CIEE: Dakar - Development Studies in Senegal
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would say that my experience was worthwhile; there is nothing I can imagine trading it for. My perspective on myself and on people and on life has changed, in ways that I cannot voice and that I do not yet know the effect of. I just know that I am grateful, and Dakar will always have a special place in my heart.
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 |
|
* 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? | Any money I spent on food was because I wanted to - go to a cafe, have an in-between-meals snack,etc. All my essential meals-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-were provided by my host family. With that said, I spent between $10 to $20 dollars on food in an average week. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | A lot of events that are able are for free; if you have to pay, there is still usually a free or cheaper alternative. Make friends widely and freely and always ask about these alternatives. |
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? | Intermediate |
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? | I had taken a grammar course to enable me to write better essays. |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Go to ataaya! They are teas that are held by each household after every meal. Several students in your program will probably be housed by large families that do them. It's such a low key way to pick up on and practice the language because conversation is just flowing. Not just for French, but for Wolof, too. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I can't particularly say that there is anything that knowing previously would have enhanced my experiences. Personally, I like going into things with no forehand knowledge, it keeps my mind open. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
Featured Program Providers