Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Ton of Learning Outside the Classroom Past Review

By (Public Health, Tulane University) - abroad from 08/23/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

CIEE: Dakar - Development Studies in Senegal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Much improved language skills. I got to see development on the ground and how it is working (or not). Got hands-on experience doing health surveys. I got to intern at a functioning non-profit that is completely Senegalese staffed. Gained general problem solving skills and learned how to connect with people across cultures and languages. Reflected on the privilege I was born with.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall very helpful, present, and willing to accomadate students, though I did sometimes feel like they did not give us enough information for CIEE sponsored activities.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Homestays are the way to go! You get such a better understanding of culture and I really felt like part of the family.

* Food:

Generally the food was very good, just not varied. I got tired of eating fish and rice, but it was easy to supplement my diet when I felt like it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The homestay allowed me to feel very integrated with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never dealt with a serious health issue while abroad. We took malaria pills and slept with mosquito nets, and needed the yellow fever vaccination before traveling to Senegal.

* Safety:

I felt very, very safe in Dakar. Keep track of your belongings all the time, even when you feel comfortable. I got my IPhone stolen out of my backpack on a bus, but I never ever felt threatened or scared while living in Dakar.

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? under $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family as much as possible to avoid paying to eat at restaurants. Learn the bus systems because though taxis are cheap, taking the bus is even better.

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

They tried to have Mondays and Wednesdays be French only, though many of us did not follow through. My classes were all in French, and I spoke French or Wolof with my host family.

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? 3000 level Intro to French Literature
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 be shy. Practicing Wolof with cab drivers can be useful, 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Homestay
  • Speaking not 1 but 2 foreign languages
  • Opportunity to have an internship
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To be prepared for downtime and alone time.

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.