Senegal in the Fall Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) for

CIEE: Dakar - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, learned a ton and was able to take a much needed break from college.

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.

Workload was much lighter than what I am used to. The teaching was underwhelming and the classes were way to long. Overall, most of my learning took place outside the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought the staff in Dakar were wonderful. For the most part very helpful. Plus they planned wonderful weekend trips.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Not a lot of variation in diet. But the national dish is delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved all the field trips planned by CIEE. Wonderful and easy way to see parts of Senegal without struggling on public transportation. Ne

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe. I did take malaria medication and needed some shots.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Senegal is fairly cheap. You could spend very little if you wanted to. I didn't realize how inexpensive the city would be.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate french
Language acquisition improvement?

I didn't realize quite how prevalent Wolof was prior to arriving in Senegal. Senegal is not the best country to really improve French. However, I really liked learning Wolof and speaking with my family.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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?
  • Loved the total break from Wellesley. I learned a lot just not in the classroom.
* What could be improved?
  • Academics