A full, enriching society Past Review
By Jesse K (Politics, French and Francophone studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 05/12/2013 with
CIEE: Dakar - Development Studies in Senegal
so worthwhile, and I learned so much about Senegalese culture and met a lot of inspiring people. I learned to appreciate elders and family more, I learned how to be more independent in a foreign city. I learned a new language and I learned how to bargain well. I learned to see the world with more wonder, and to appreciate the small details that make up a culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
good balance of class time and cultural experience! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
my host family was amazing, such a special experience bonding with them |
| * Food: |
The food was always lovely, especially because my host mom is an amazing cook, but the Senegalese diet is FULL of carbs, an lots of fat and salt |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I started to feel like I was really getting a feel for the culture towards the middle/end of the semester- and then i had to leave it was very sad :(. Senegal was just so perfect and I love it- it will always be a part of me and have a special place in my thoughts. That said, of course you do stick out being American, especially as a white American, but the Senegalese are very accepting and and love meeting people from other cultures. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It seemed fine for the people that needed it, and health care costs in general are inexpensive, but I didnt have a personal experience with it |
| * Safety: |
There were isolated incidents, as there are in any city, but on the whole I felt very safe. It's a very communal society so people look out for each other and you mostly know everyone you live near. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
We got a $30 stipend each week, and it was sufficient for supplemental food. i only really spent money on trips and souvenirs- if you dont want to spend a lot, you can get by with spending next to nothing |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Like I said, we got a $30 a week for food/transportation, and it was enough |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Wait to buy souvenirs and things until you really know how to bargain, and even though everything seems cheap, dont spend a lot of money in the beginning because of that, because it adds up quickly. |
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 |
All Development studies classes are taught in French, host families only speak French (for Language and Culture too), and local friends will most likely only speak French |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | higher level French courses at Brandeis |
| 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? | make a lot of Senegalese friends dont just always hang out with your American friends! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That the 2 CIEE Dakar programs were somewhat unequal in terms of class time (too much in DS) |
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. |
