Past Review
By Cindy S (Mathematical Economic Analysis, Rice University) for
American University: Washington D.C - Washington Semester Program
Definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | American University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience was great. The teaching methods were definitely different from the conventional "in-class" methods. Most of the classes were out of the university in different locations where we listened to speakers that were experts in their fields. We would go to the financial institutions located in DC and learn, first hand from the speakers, how economic policy runs in US. I enjoyed it very much, and more importantly, I learned a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host program helped making the transition simple. It explained the purpose of the program, helped with the internship process and connecting us to potential internships. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was housed in Capitol Hall in Tenley Campus at the American University. The rooms were fine, and subway system was fairly accessible. <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
Typical cafeteria food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
People were great, both foreign and domestic students. Social events were planned out, and environment was great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safe overall. Health issues were discussed during orientation and no problems. |
| 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? | $40-$50/week. Usually $20 for transportation, $20 for food, and $10 for entertainment. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No access to work study, and internship was unpaid, so spending needed to be regulated. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N/A |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's a good opportunity with amazing resources. Take advantage of everything accessible and make the most out of the internship as possible while you're there. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Economic Policy Program |
| Course Department: | Econ 383 |
| Instructor: | Headlee |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The course was not very challenging. It did however make use of its location in Washington, DC. Because it was the Economic Policy Program, we took advantage of being in DC by visiting and being lectured by speakers from the Federal Reserve, World Bank, IMF, the embassies, and the Capitol. Our professor was very well prepared and knowledgeable on the subject and because it was a small classroom setting, I was able to participate a lot more than I would have at my home institution. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No problems transferring credits. |
