Great experience but some complaints Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/25/2012 to 08/16/2012 with

CIEE: Lisbon - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being abroad is always a great experience. It is definitely more worthwhile than a semester at home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

* Food:

Food was not provided so a comment would not be appropriate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a few health problems and my coordinators were incredibly helpful. They made me feel as if I were at home.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Lisbon is very inexpensive.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 to 150 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own food and don't party too much.

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

This was a disappointing aspect. People in our program simply didn't speak Portuguese, and the coordinators were more than happy to speak English with us (which certainly helps in some situations, but you weren't able to challenge yourself linguistically).

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 250
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? Integrate yourself into the culture and make local friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Lisbon is very nice
  • Lots of opportunities to meet internationals
  • Incredibly easy classes
* What could be improved?
  • Language learning needs to be emphasized
  • More cultural activities
  • Better relationships between teachers and students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How little emphasis would be placed on actually learning Portuguese