Humans helping Humans Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

CIEE: Santiago - Service Learning, Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a strong sense of my own strengths and weaknesses, and came back more aware of how I want to use my education; it was worthwhile.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Was able to foster relationships with Dominicans due to close working relationship with the organization and experience with host family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Use common sense.

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)

40 pesos/1 USD

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? SPAN 127: Intermediate 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? Immerse yourself in Spanish-speaking areas or seek out work with Spanish-speaking population.

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

  • 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?
  • Relationships with Dominicans
  • Service opportunities
  • Intensive Language Component
* What could be improved?
  • Program Organization
  • Level of staff professionalism
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the local culture.