Learning Outside the Classroom Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/26/2019 to 05/15/2020 with
CIEE: Lisbon - Language and Culture
My connection to my host family is lifelong and that along makes it priceless.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While not every class was as rigorous and my home school, some were and I ended the semester with new research tools and knowledge. CIEE Lisbon also offered weekly field trips around the city and contributed to a wholistic educational experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration team was incredible. Their personability was immediately clear as was their organization and dedication to what they do. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay experience was the highlight of my semester. I believe it contributed to my grasp of the knowledge and they were people I enjoyed spending my weekends with. |
| * Food: |
Pastries, pastries, pastries! Although not always the most flavorful, I enjoyed experience a new eating schedule and cuisine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt easily integrated and safe |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A to my experience |
| * Safety: |
I frequently walked around at night alone and felt very safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I met friends and developed independence in a way i was unable to achieve at my home school. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | none |
| 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? | Even if its just inserting some words into an english conversation, it helps! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew better budgeting tips |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
