The best decision made in my College experience! Past Review
By Alba Q (Vanguard University of Southern California) - abroad from 09/05/2014 to 12/12/2014 with
AIFS: Salzburg - University of Salzburg
I learned how to take risks and truly be adventurous. I threw myself into every situation: hiking, swimming in the Adriatic, trying interesting food, etc. It was so much more than what I ever expected it to be.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes where very easy and simple to get a good grade on. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorms, Internationalles Kolleg, were great! The only downfall was that it was a 15 minute bus ride into the city. |
| * Food: |
Incredible! Austrian food is delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We attended the University of Salzburg with Austrian Students so that allowed us to incorporate a bit into the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never did I feel unsafe walking in the streets at night! |
| 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) |
The cost of traveling adds up quickly but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity so its very much worth it! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep track of your spendings. This will help you see how much you spend in every country and keep track of where your money is going! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I took a two-week intensive German course |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | It would be a good idea to take the semester-long course to learn more and communicate with locals. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Live in the moment. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
