a beautiful blend of art and relationships to create a life changing experience Past Review

By (Fashion/Apparel Design., Virginia Commonwealth University) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/05/2012 with

Carleton Global Engagement: Arts and Culture in Cameroon

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was more than I could have ever imagined. I gained a lot artistically and in my field of fashion design, but I think I gained more about myself. Living and becoming a part of a family was the key to making this experience so meaningful. I made real relationships and was truly integrated into the culture.

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:

* 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? Very little, everything was extremely cheap, maybe around 20 dollars and occasionally once a month around 50-100 for art supplies

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Don't give up, it's tough and an adjustment but you have to constantly speak it in order to learn it

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • homestay/my family
  • independency
  • one on one apprenticeship
* What could be improved?
  • more cultural excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? more details about family/homestay would have been nice knowing before hand instead of going in blindly

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.'