A challenging but amazing, rich, horizon-broadening, and worthwhile experience Past Review
By Emily O (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/31/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
SIT Study Abroad: Senegal: Global Security and Religious Pluralism
I broadened my horizons and opened my mind so much.
Personal Information
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program had very strong safety precautions in place, with an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak occurring in some areas of West Africa at the time. (Senegal had only 1 case the entire time I was there.) I felt very safe and well-educated about how to stay safe throughout the duration of the program, in large part thanks to the program staff's efforts! |
* 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
* 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? | max 80,000-90,000 CFA (140-160 USD) |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eating at restaurants can get expensive quickly. If you're not going to cook, then some good cheaper options include: prepared foods at the supermarket, food from boutiques, street food. |
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 |
Wolof, French |
Other Program Information
* 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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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? | The Ebola situation in Senegal as it was at that time and the safety precautions taken by SIT did not warrant how hyped up and afraid of going I was before I left for the program. Senegal is a big place! Africa is a humongous place! |