Study Abroad in the Dominican Republic: Stole my heart and need to return to get it back Past Review
By Perry L (International Relations and Affairs., University of the Pacific) for
CIEE: Santo Domingo - Liberal Arts
It definitely was worthwhile because I learned a tremendous amount about myself and gave me a new sense of awareness that I have not had in my life. I have become a better communicator, and translator of ideas. Additionally I am way more independent than before.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | La UASD, Francisco Bono, Flacso, INTEC |
| 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. |
The classes were relatively easy, and the class discussions were not as lively as I have had at Pacific. I wish that the classes offered more of a challenge, and teachers would foster more participation from students. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was there for support when necessary and stuck to good schedules if there were any problems with students. I did not have any so the administration was not a necessity. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host family was very nice, but they would give me too much space, and I found it difficult to communicate with them. They did not treat me like I was part of the family and at times I felt I was just a guest in their household using their facilities. |
| * Food: |
I wished that my host mom made me more of a variety of food, I got sick of eating the same thing almost every single day. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I enjoyed going to cultural events because the music was always playing until very late, and the people are friendly to teach you how to dance without the slightest provocation. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| 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? | Per week I needed about 50 dollars per week, because I didn't pay for food I only really needed to buy things on weekends to go out. If I were travelling though it would be about 100 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | My computer broke while I was abroad so I needed someone to get a new one for me, so that was a huge expense. Other than that I didn't really other unanticipated expenses |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 101 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the host language with friends that I met through the universities I attended as well as some members from my study abroad group. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
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? | I would advise them to take advantage of any activity they get while they are there, and that they need to do what ever possible to not pass up opportunities. Seek them out and you will be fulfilled. |
