The most defining semester of my life. Past Review
By Chelsea A S (French & Environmental Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/20/2012 to 05/21/2012 with
CIEE: Dakar - Language & Culture
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile, I learned a lot of things about myself, confronted a lot of personal struggles, and this experience also helped me figure out my future plans.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt about as integrated as a white, American woman could feel in sub-Saharan Africa. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20.00? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a monthly budget and only take money out on specific days of the month. |
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? | 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 306 |
| 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? | Speak with your host family and people you meet every day. Make it a goal to interact with as many people as you can. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | How difficult it would be to actually LIVE in Senegal, adjust to a host family, and be in a place where you don't know that local language (Wolof). |
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