Senegal : the importance of people Past Review
By Sajel T (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., DePauw University) for
CIEE: Dakar - Language & Culture
I understand development issues and what role I can play to improve conditions. I am more aware of social justice issues and want to pursue a career in public health as a doctor in a developing country.
Review Photos
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. |
Teaching style was more similar to french -- lecture and less student participation but professors were encouraged to have more class discussion. Local language classes (wolof) were no larger than 6 per class and very discussion based, excellent wolof language professors. The grading system was easier that my American university. The topics were very relevant to Senegal and our experience in the core courses. Most courses had a large final paper or a final exam. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very high level of knowledge about the host country and American higher education system. Program size was 52 which allowed for a couple weekend trips as a program. Class sizes were small and classes were engaging. The program director had a wealth of knowledge -- great resource for cultural events and any questions about the country, and the assistant was a crucial help to students adjusting to life in Senegal. They were accessible and helped students on an individual basis. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was treated like a member of the family but was given freedom to explore Dakar and be independent. They cared about my safety and helped me adjust to the new lifestyle. I didn't have to buy anything, they took care of laundry and food -- it was only on my initiative that I helped with any chores in the house. |
| * Food: |
Would have been very difficult to be vegetarian but there was never a lack of food. Mostly rice dishes with fish. Some pasta and cous cous, some chicken and beef. Find a place to buy fruits and vegetables close to home and you'll get to know the man/woman that sells and get good prices every time. Everyone shares so if you want to buy yourself a treat, either buy enough for the whole family or eat it before coming home. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took a day trip to Gorée Island and a weekend trip to Toubab Dialow and another trip to Mar Lodj. The weekend trips were a chance to relax and see another part of the coast. The program also planned for us to go to a professional soccer match. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Travel with a friend at night, tell your family where you're going. Sleep under your mosquito net. Everyone took a drug against malaria during the whole trip. |
| 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? | Commuting: taxi = $5 there and back - less when you share taxis with friends, : buses and public transport are very cheap Food : fruit and veggies 2 to 5 dollars/week Entertainment : concert or entry to a restaurant with live music - $4 - $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Usually ate at home to spend money and then just buy a drink or snack if I went out with friends. Bargain for everything -- ask a family member or local friend for the price before buying or you will pay too much. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400 level |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced language with my host family and spoke it in all my classes. I had to use French or Wolof in everyday interactions. All the American students spoke English to each other but interactions with other people in country was always in French or Wolof. |
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 |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student that is independent and ready to experience a different side of the world. Eager to learn a new language and doesn't require high class accommodations. Able to adapt to the uncontrollable situations and find richness in relationships |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Wolof Language |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Mame Binta |
| Instruction Language: | Wolof |
| Comments: | Wonderful language course -- gave me the tools to take advantage of my study abroad experience. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
