Senior Fall Dar es Salaam Past Review

By (Communications, Fordham University) - abroad from 08/30/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

CIEE: Iringa - Community Development, Language + Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not academically rigorous, but definitely a learning experience. Do not choose this program if you are looking to go out a lot at night.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

Yellow Fever vaccination required. We had to sign a contact agreeing to take antimalarials for the duration of the program. In Dar, treatment for ailments was easily available, whether at the local clinic or at the Western-style hospital about 45 minutes from campus.

* Safety:

We were constantly warned of safety hazards as apparent foreigners, but no incidents occurs besides petty theft in our dorms.

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? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always bargain! Even for tourist activities such as mountain excursions.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? You are placed with local roommates so talking to them about language is very helpful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Close-knit community
  • Great group of CIEE Students
* What could be improved?
  • More relvent classroom topics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought more hiking gear and camping equipment, such as flashlight, power bars, etc. (Not just for excursions, but would have been useful in daily life as well).

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 Adventurer
The 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.