CIEE Senegal: Lots to Learn Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I suppose I should begin by noting I didn't go abroad for purely academic purposes. As such, I didn't really have firm expectations of classes. I found this was a good approach -- if I had cared a lot, I would probably have been disappointed. The educational environment is certainly very different, in both positive and negative ways. I enjoyed the flexibility of professors when it came to discussions -- they often took time to fully answer questions. However, this meant that we got behind in the syllabus (which were not followed in the non-language classes). As a result, it was difficult to predict when larger assignments would be due. The combination of lack of advance notice and poorly functioning technology (electricity, internet) sometimes made projects overwhelming. I should also mention that my perception is biased by the fact that I took two of the most difficult elective courses and had a larger workload than many of my peers in other classes. Grades were given without much feedback which was frustrating. Expectations on larger projects were often very unclear. Again, I must end by saying despite the many negative parts of academics, this only disturbed but didn't ruin my experience! I can't see any other program having a much better system, except for language classes (which were twice a week for 2 hours -- VERY hard to learn a new language when you don't have class from Thursday to Monday!)

On-site administration of your program

Very knowledgeable, but simply overwhelmed trying to move into a new facility. Felt supported but also distant from administration.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Felt entirely safe and in a great location (Mermoz). My family provided me with everything, and insisted anytime I had a problem with something to let them know so they could pay for it (e.g., when my outlet broke). They were welcoming and I felt like I really got to know them, although I'm not going to pretend the language barrier was easy. I was treated more like a guest, never allowed to help out with chores (though I did anyway!). To some extent, I felt awkward as the 13th student they had had; I wasn't very exciting to them. But they were perfectly nice and by the end I really did feel a connection to them.

I didn't really ever eat enough, although I'm not sure if my family was aware of it.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CIEE has a bunch of really neat trips planned out for students. We went to a Senegal-DRC Soccer game, took a weekend trip to an artist's colony that was essentially a tropical getaway, spent a week in a region outside of Dakar with local hosts, and went north to the historical capital city. These were really neat and pre-paid; one could theoretically have gone on all these trips without spending any money!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Generally: Dakar is a really safe place. I heard of pickpocketing occur (many of us were very easy targets) but no violence. One of the reasons I love Dakar -- a HUGE city and I felt pretty safe. Health care: I DID have an incident and navigating the healthcare system was difficult. The program did help me a lot, but I still found the hospital system very confusing (no buildings are labelled!)

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Just speak it with anyone and everyone! It's the Senegalese way to be welcoming, and welcoming they are. Casually walking by and saying "hi" is actually rude -- Senegalese EXPECT you to stop and begin a real conversation with them. So do so! When speaking with Senegalese, I began with Wolof greetings (very important!) but switched to French soon after when the person I was speaking with realized I wasn't fluent in Wolof. Speak Wolof with cab drivers to get better prices -- they'll realize you're not just a naive tourist! Cab rides were my primary source of Wolof language learning -- drivers were often impressed by even rudimentary knowledge and encouraged further learning. Do be aware that your host family will likely speak primarily Wolof! While they will certainly be able to speak French and will do so to directly communicate with you, most conversations amongst themselves will be in Wolof. It can be really frustrating to sit around with your family having no idea what's going on! But just try to learn as much Wolof as possible and ask questions to get involved. The population in general does NOT know English -- perhaps they have taken classes or learned it on the street, but certainly aren't fluent. This makes them all the more ready to want to practice so be prepared! I have to say though, after a long day of speaking French and Wolof, it's kind of nice to have the tables turned and get to relax in English!

Select all that apply

• Hostel
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Trips
• Dakar -- a really great city to explore

• Organization
• Facilities