Initial disorientation leads to greater understanding of the self Past Review
By Elaine R (Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 02/21/2014 to 07/11/2014 with
CIEE: Valparaiso - Liberal Arts
Extremely worthwhile. I not only was able to improve my fluency in my second language and form meaningful relationships, but I also learned a lot about self-sufficiency and that I am capable of adjusting to challenging experiences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Variable. Some classes were not very challenging or intellectually stimulating while some did have a very difficult courseload. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Disorganized albeit helpful for the majority of things. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very satisfied, host family was accommodating, warm, and helpful to me. |
| * Food: |
Adequate although adjusting to meal times at first was difficult. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt mostly integrated although some aspects were difficult to deal with all the way through the end of the program. Specifically, attention (unwarranted compliments or cat calls from those of the opposite sex). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Be alert. Things may happen that are out of your control, as with any area of the world. Don´t walk alone at night. Be aware of your surroundings always (I was robbed in broad daylight). Never resist, it could put you in danger. I felt safe most of the time, however. |
| 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? | $50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | Make friends with locals, don't spend all of your time with other program participants- you will end up speaking English a lot if you do so. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Can't think of anything.. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
