Past Review
By Tessa S (International Studies and Spanish, Trinity University) for
CIEE: Santiago - Liberal Arts
Of course I increased my Spanish abilities and learned a lot about the country in general but I learned more about myself and how I am able to adjust quickly to cultures completely different from my own. I also learned to expect the unexpected and the more open you are to new things, the better overall experience you will have.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | CIEE-PUCMM Liberal Arts |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system and workload was perfect. I learned a lot in the classroom but then I had lots of free time to experience the culture which helped me learn about everything so much more. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CIEE administration in the Dominican Republic was better than I could have hoped for. They were so helpful if I was ever upset about anything and I was able to build relationships with them outside of the administrative aspect of things. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in La Rinconada with a lady named Monchy. She was very friendly, welcoming, and helpful with anything I needed. I had an incredible experience partially because of her. <br /><br /> Everything was perfect. I have absolutely no complaints. |
| * Food: |
I am a very picky eater and I never had a problem with any of the food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our CIEE program leaders would send us monthly lists of cultural events around the city and that was really great. My classes also incorporated field trips to various cultural places and events where I was able to learn a lot outside of the classroom. |
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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? |
Yes
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Throughout the whole semester I probably spent about $2000-$2500 but I traveled a lot. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Randomly I would find myself wanting to spend a weekend away at a hotel on the beach especially because I did not have class on Friday and I never anticipated doing it as much as I did. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I am definitely not fluent coming back from the Dominican Republic but I have improved greatly in my oral and written Spanish work and I could not be happier with my progress. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just have an open mind about all your experiences and you will do just fine. If you let yourself experience new and different things with a positive attitude you will do just fine. |
