I'm still unpacking the meaning of my dynamic and multi-layered experience Past Review

By (Urban Studies/Affairs., Fordham University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 04/28/2012 with

CIEE: Santiago - Liberal Arts, Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a deeper understanding of myself, my privilege, and my relationship to materialism. I began to grasp the complexity and difficulty of understanding and participating in a foreign culture. I also better understand the problems and benefits of service abroad. The experience was fully 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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $65.00

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? Intermediate
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? 3000
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? Get away from the American students

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Ability to take classes with local students
  • Incredible host family
  • Service Learning opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • The classes could be a little more challenging
  • There could be more of an emphasis on simple living during our program excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid of direct enrollment!