Drinking tea, bbq on the ocean and cultural exchange Past Review
By Madison Matthews (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2018 to 05/18/2018 with
CIEE: Dakar - Development Studies in Senegal
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned how to get around on my own and communicate with people across languages and cultures. I gained a broader perspective of how to be critical of my own western society and how to navigate it. I learned about the kind of people I want to surround myself with.
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. |
I love rigorous classes, however CIEE Dakar was not incredibly rigorous in the classroom, most of the learning came from outside of the classroom. And I think my time was best spent that way, I am happy it wasn't as rigorous as University in the states that way I could really be immersed in the culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Incredible, I loved the administration at CIEE Dakar. They are extremely caring and knowledgeable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family. They fed me well, we danced all the time. They weren't super restricting of me going out late, we communicated well. I really enjoyed the relationship we cultivated. |
| * Food: |
It took me about a month to not miss American food, but after that month all I craved was onion sauce!! The food was really good. My host family was a great cook. Everything is made from scratch and not processed. Expect a lot of fish, onions and rice but with lots of yummy spices! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There's only so much a person can feel integrated into a culture that is not their own, especially when they don't look like the majority of the people there. However, Senegalese people are in general very welcoming and friendly. By the end of my time there most people in my neighborhood knew who I was and I had Senegalese friends to hangout with. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Very efficient, when I was sick a doctor came to my home and treated me. I felt better instantly. |
| * Safety: |
Safety is definitely in your hands. As long as a person isn't doing anything to make themselves vulnerable like bringing their iphone out at night or keeping their phone easily accessible on the bus or walking alone a night they will be safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I absolutely loved my experience in Dakar. I learned so much about the culture, and got to live in a society that values different body types, different pace of life and enjoys the little things. Senegal is just so much fun |
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? | $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Most of the money you spend is on going out, food is really cheap |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 7 years |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It will take you about a month to be truly comfortable! Culture shock is okay and completely normal. Be kind to yourself! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
