Adventure and immersion unlike any other program Past Review
By A student (Bowdoin College) - abroad from 08/25/2019 to 12/21/2019 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Yaoundé
Language acquisition, cultural insights, lifelong friendships.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
An unparalleled language and cultural immersion experience. Fascinating, rigorous courses through Middlebury in a unique, exciting context. Complete integration in daily life largely because in Yaoundé, there is no choice but to go about life as locals do- this is what makes the Middlebury School in Cameroon a truly unforgettable adventure unlike the typical study abroad program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Unbelievably capable and caring director. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Amazing host family |
| * Food: |
Delicious everywhere. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Highly integrated because of the language pledge and level of immersion in daily life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Easy access to an excellent doctor via WhatsApp. |
| * 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) |
A confortable semester in Yaoundé can be cheaper than 10 days in Copenhagen if you are mindful of spending and avoid expensive meals out in expat areas. |
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 |
All students abided by the language pledge 100% of the time, except occasional calls home. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Senior seminar in French literature |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Speak, read, write and go full send on the language pledge. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | That those four months would go by faster than other other |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
