Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An adventure that I would have on repeat! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government, Other, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2014 to 12/21/2014 with

CIEE: Dakar - Development Studies in Senegal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would say that my experience was worthwhile; there is nothing I can imagine trading it for. My perspective on myself and on people and on life has changed, in ways that I cannot voice and that I do not yet know the effect of. I just know that I am grateful, and Dakar will always have a special place in my heart.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Any money I spent on food was because I wanted to - go to a cafe, have an in-between-meals snack,etc. All my essential meals-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-were provided by my host family. With that said, I spent between $10 to $20 dollars on food in an average week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A lot of events that are able are for free; if you have to pay, there is still usually a free or cheaper alternative. Make friends widely and freely and always ask about these alternatives.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had taken a grammar course to enable me to write better essays.
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? Go to ataaya! They are teas that are held by each household after every meal. Several students in your program will probably be housed by large families that do them. It's such a low key way to pick up on and practice the language because conversation is just flowing. Not just for French, but for Wolof, too.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Homestay
  • Dakar - the city
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Local Language learning - we had Wolof only twice a week, for an hour, not enough time to learn a new language.
  • More programmed event earlier in the semester, not later when everyone has already sort of found their own groove
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't particularly say that there is anything that knowing previously would have enhanced my experiences. Personally, I like going into things with no forehand knowledge, it keeps my mind open.

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 Adventurer
The 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.