Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the best decisions I ever made. December 25, 2022

By (Development, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2022 to 12/18/2022 with

University of Minnesota: Senegal - MSID - International Development in Senegal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in my ability to handle new and sometimes difficult situations.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

There was a lot that happened on the trip that wasn't easy, however, the people on the program and the location were amazing! I made some really special memories and learned so much.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 US dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It really depends on how much you spend on the weekend and how far away your internship is. The biggest expense was taxi money during the internship phase.

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? French 106
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? Use it as the language when hanging out with other study-abroad students.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The people
  • The country as a place to live
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • The apartments (cockroaches)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wolof is extremely important to learn in order to communicate with locals.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!