a good time Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/18/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

CIEE: Dakar - Development Studies in Senegal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A new home away from home

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.

The classes were not as academically rigorous as classes at Wellesley but I learned a lot on my own and outside of class

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was great. very supportive

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It took a while to get used to my host family and their home but once I did, I was fine

* Food:

Never had a bad meal

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt kinda cloistered sometimes with the other program participants

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes, it was during orientation

* Safety:

I felt very safe throughout

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Yes, I had a great time

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)

pretty easy, the cost of living was not too much

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? average around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would most meals at home. Shop around for good prices before buying anything and ask locals about the best prices.

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

We had designated language days

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? french 228
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? try to speak in french with people who also speak english. they will offer to help you if you trip up

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?
  • support
  • excursions
  • host family
* What could be improved?
  • ties to the local culture
  • academics
  • host family immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? spend as much time outside getting to know people and break away from the program as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. you will make connections better that way

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.'