Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing Past Review

By (Washington State University) - abroad from 05/23/2016 to 07/18/2016 with

CIEE: Dakar - Summer Senegalese Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained cultural knowledge as well as language skills; absolutely worthwhile.

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?

Excellent, convenient location, but know there isn't likely to be wifi in your homestay.

* Food:

Food is delicious, but variety is small and vegetables are fairly rare.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being able to speak the local language will greatly increase your integration with the local culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Keep aware, especially at night.

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)

Dakar is less expensive than most American cities, but taxis and other expenses do tend to add up if you don't keep track of them carefully.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300-level in college
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? Take class in the language you want to practice, and talk with your host family as much as possible.

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?
  • opportunity to study interesting topics in an international setting
* What could be improved?
  • There seemed to be a discrepancy in the amount of work required for a class taught in French versus in English--French classes seemed consistently to require more time and effort.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In most social contexts, people communicate in Wolof, which can make practicing French more of a challenge than I had anticipated

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!