Adventurous Past Review

By (SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 05/23/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

SUNY Geneseo: Dakar - Faculty-Led Summer Program, Civilizations of West Francophone Africa

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more adventurous and to learn how to adapt to other people cultures. It was a life changing experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

Amazing food, better than American food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Through host housing you definitely feel integrated 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)

Could live off $20 a week.

* 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? $20-35

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

Must speak French because people hardly knew how to speak English.

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? French 201
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? The best way to practice the language is to speak with people, and to not feel intimidated.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Host Families
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More activities within the study abroad fee.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing.