An enjoyable 4 months in Dakar January 10, 2023
By A student (International and Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2022 to 12/16/2022 with
University of Minnesota: Senegal - MSID - International Development in Senegal
I learned so much about Senegalese culture, Francophone culture and Islam, and religious practices while in Dakar, things I probably would have never learned staying in the US. I gained a new perspective and more independence while abroad.
Review Photos
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. |
Little to no schedule flexibility and emotionally draining at times. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing staff, very welcoming and understanding. Great support system. I was saddest to leave all the staff at WARC because they were a wonderful part of my study abroad experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was favorable and close in proximity to many food and entertainment spots. |
| * Food: |
As a vegetarian, it was difficult and there was not a lot of variety in the prepared meals. |
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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? |
I had experience going to a doctor's office and the program staff was very helpful during this process. The healthcare system seemed a little more complicated than what I'm used to and wait times were long. |
| * Safety: |
I usually felt safe walking around in the city, but burglaries are prevalent. I got my phone stolen at an event and three other students got their phones and/or purses stolen as well. Be vigilant and try not to carry valuables unless necessary. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved my experience in Dakar. It was everything I wanted in a program. I got to practice my French, interact with the local culture and make amazing friendships. Although the classes really challenged me, I had a great overall experience. |
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) |
Dakar was more expensive than I anticipated especially grocery shopping at stores like Auchan and Casino. I also had to take out money from an ATM regularly for taxi fees which began to add up quickly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have a budget before going and adjust it depending on needs. |
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 |
French was usually the primary language spoken during the program. |
| 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? | FREN 111 |
| 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? | Try to speak as much as possible and don't stress over mistakes. |
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? | I wish I knew more about the dressing standards and the weather (it's usually really hot you don't need a lot of jackets) because I would've packed better according to that. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
