Eye-opening and everything I could ask for without being too idealistic. Past Review

By (Peace And Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/18/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

CIEE: Dakar - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely learned a lot from the people who were NOT students. Had run-ins with people and personalities I would otherwise never meet. Sometimes it could be frustrating, but in the end, it was incredibly rewarding.

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.

Some courses were more difficult than others. However, for the most part there were less assignments by nature of the French system. Finals and projects were challenging as was the grading system.

* 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?

I wish we spent more time with the other institution that occupied the building in which we were also taking classes.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Anytime we had issues, the director and co-director were extremely helpful.

* Safety:

There weren't many violent crimes, but it did feel dangerous especially for women.

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)

I was really happy that I had money in my bank account, but the program definitely left a lot to handle as far as food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

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

A LOT! I learned a lot of Wolof and my French improved substantially.

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? An intermediate level (6 years of study - French 211)
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? Stay away from fellow American students since you'll be speaking English without much analysis or cultural learning.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Local culture/personality
  • Excursions
  • Improved my language fluency
* What could be improved?
  • Class/professor consistency
  • Food at school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to dress more intelligently and appropriately, but also to try everything as soon as possible in the trip.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'