A 180 degree turn Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 06/14/2012 to 05/22/2012 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: Kanifing - PEACE in The Gambia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I experienced the impoverished lifestyle in developing countries that many westerners only have an idea of. It was incredibly worthwhile, and has taught me to value many things as opposed to taking them for granted.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of the Gambia
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $10-$20 U.S. Dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to get ripped off in a country where there is no set market price

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A 206 level spanish class
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? Use the language taught whenever you go out in public

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Exploring Africa
  • Learning Wolof
* What could be improved?
  • Adding more potential internships for students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had gone out and explored with my friends more in the beginning so that I could have seen earlier on how much fun I could have in the program.