An Amazing Summer Past Review
By Shaye R (Boise State University) - abroad from 05/25/2015 to 06/27/2015 with
AIFS: Salzburg - University of Salzburg
Going abroad for a month was amazing. I learned how to be independent.
Review Photos
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. |
I only took one course at the University. It took place 5 days a week for 2 hours. In the folk art class, we had many field trips. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The AIFS staff were extremely helpful. They sent out weekly emails with what was going on each week and helpful hints. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in a hostel. The location was great. We were within walking distance to all the main attractions. |
| * Food: |
I was able to find a decent amount of food that matched my dietary restrictions. I can't have dairy or wheat, but I was able to find a big selection of gluten free foods in the drugstore. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not know any German prior to coming. We learned a few German phrases to help us get by. Most of the people spoke a little English which was great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The AIFS staff helped me in finding food that matched my needs. They gave us a packet on doctors in the area, and how to make appointments. I was not I'll for any part of the trip thankfully. |
| * Safety: |
I felt incredibly safe in Salzburg. I walked to places by myself without feeling scared. People are very friendly in Salzburg. |
| 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) |
I overspent on food. I ate out multiple times a week. 1. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook meals at the hostel. This will save you tons of money. |
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 |
The staff taught us a few phrases that we needed to know to get around. |
| 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? | Take a German class before, or buy a German phrase book so you can learn phrases prior to arriving. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I had known how much I would like it. I wish I would have chosen to go for a full year. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
