Service Learning project in Dominican Republic Past Review
By Ebony J (BBH, Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Study Abroad Programs in Dominican Republic
It was very worthwhile for me and the children we served. I understand that serving and helping are two very different thigns. I plan to do more things like this is the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned about serving others. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The leaders were very helpful ad they were able o deal with any issues we had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed in a dorm style flat building with bunkbeds. each room had its own shower and toilet. The bunkbeds had mosquitoe nets. |
| * Food: |
The carribean food was very good. There was always enough and it gave a taste of the culture. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We taught local children english in the schools. It was an amazing experience seeing how excited they are to learn new things. It was unforgettable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We had a 24 hour security guard and it was a safe environment. They had healthcare items at the orphanage in case anything happened. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | I only spent money on the gifts i bought because everything else was provided. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure to bring extra money in case of a flight delay. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I got a chance to practice what Spanish I did know but nothing drastic. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would advise them to be prepared to experience a new culture and a new environment. Also I would tell them to be relaxed and let things come to them. |
