It was an experience that changed my life. Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/20/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

CIEE: Santiago - Liberal Arts, Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more spanish and a completely new culture. It was definitely worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the administrators were very helpful and I loved spending time with them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It was very good, but a lot of it was the same thing everyday.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up getting tonsillitis and the doctor on campus was very nice and helpful. My program director helped me out a lot as well.

* Safety:

If you were being smart and not traveling a lone there were not many problems if any at all.

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)

I did not really have to pay for anything except travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It depends, but hardly nothing on meals because they were all provided by my host family.

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? 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? I think Composition and conversation in Spanish
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? Speak the language with your english speaking friends as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Work Retreats and excursions
  • Country and culture
  • New friends I made
* What could be improved?
  • Shorter orientation
  • The spanish grammar class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Dominican Culture.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.