Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I struggled with language but learned a lot! Past Review

By (Sociology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/03/2015 to 05/01/2015 with

CIEE: Santo Domingo - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I'm not very good at languages and feel uncomfortable when I don't know what's going on around me. But I did learn that I could get through it.

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.

The classes at INTEC felt a little bit more like high school AP classes than college courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CIEE center and staff were really great

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host grandma was lovely and very sweet. Good location too

* Food:

I grew up with Caribbean food so I loved the food in the DR

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The language barrier really made it hard to integrate but I did make a bunch of Dominican friends who I really grew to love. Living near the Zona Colonial was nice for academic and artistic events

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health care issues. The preparation to go abroad was tedious though.

* Safety:

I always felt safe from physical danger. Piropos/cat calling was really annoying and made me feel unsafe but beyond that, it was fine.

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)

I had a very considerable scholarship so I was able to get by really easily. Transportation and going out were my only costs since all my food was provided by my host mom.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? pack food from home instead of buying food out on excursions that aren't provided

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

We were always encouraged to speak Spanish with the other members of the program and we were highly encouraged to break out of the group to meet Dominican students our own age

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? Spanish 242
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? Purposefully learn and use new words every day

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Study center and staff
  • Group of American students
* What could be improved?
  • Language support (have profs and staff read essays for grammar,etc)
  • More excursions or help with planning trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known just how hard the language would be. I honestly don't know if I would've gone if I had known just how hard the language was and how underprepared I was.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.