Past Review
By Adrienne B (FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES., Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Study Abroad Programs in Dominican Republic
It was not worthwhile, I wanted to get so much more out of it- HUGE WASTE OF MONEY.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program is way too limited in the ability to facilitate interaction within the culture, we were not permitted to tour the city or communicate with anyone outside of the organization...way too controlled for a college study abroad trip that is supposed to be about experiencing something different. We were surrounded by other American volunteers, it was more like a national college conference than a study abroad trip! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed in a very poor orphanage in concrete dorms without locks on the doors. There were bugs all through our room because there were no screens on our windows. Our toiler leaked for the entire stay, even after we notified organization staff. that did not always have running water and never had hot water. The mosquitos were herendous and many of us felt sick all week. questionable food practices |
| * Food: |
If we did not like the low budget-feeding a large group-meals, our only other option was peanut butter and crackers....all week... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was very bored and only made a few friends with other students from my college. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Since the door of our concrete dorm like room did not lock at night, I constantly was worried. In addition, I was stressed about health issues because of the mosquitoes and unsantitary water for showering and such. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | $35 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | no chance to spend money |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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? | Go on the trip if you are interested in christian mission work only |
