Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

DC Semester is Amazing, Transforming Communities not as much Past Review

By (Near Eastern Judaic Studies and Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/11/2012 with

American University: Washington D.C - Washington Semester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learnt a lot about DC, it was amazing, would do a DC program again but likely a different on (Foreign Policy, American Politics, or coexistence)

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.

There was extremely large quantity of work, even if the quality demanded was low. It was flooding students with work, with the expectation that it would all be low quality, instead of demanding a regular amount of high quality work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Little Vegetarian options on Tenley campus

* 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? No

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? $100-$125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live off campus with at kitchen!!!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • in DC
  • Internship
* What could be improved?
  • Core Course
  • Professor
  • Class schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Its not about transforming communities, but rather about economic justice issue of the day. no real talk about change or how to make it.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.