Past Review
By Christopher K (Political Science/ Communication, Trinity University) for
American University: Washington D.C - Washington Semester Program
I learned about how D.C. REALLY works and I gained knowledge that is applicable to both of my majors. This was fantastic experience that allowed me to make connections with people from outside of Texas. I also got to learn about other people's programs and what they plan on doing for a career. My class helped me hone in on what I want to do with my life and explained that if I wanted to be a lobbyist, what steps I would need to take to achieve my goals.
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? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Everything was very fair. American understood that it was summer and we did not need to have boatloads of work, but they still tested us, and made sure we did our work correctly and efficiently. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
N/A. This was in D.C. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Congressional Hall, Room 323 <br /><br /> Tenley campus is right next to a metro, allowing you to get to work and get to tourist spots with relative ease. The campus is in an extremely safe neighborhood and the only thing I needed to buy were new bedsheets because the bed size there is different than Trinity's |
| * Food: |
Dining hall food sucks. Great food is as close as across the street, or you could make your way down to Foggy Bottom. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The entire city was a tourist's dream. I was awestruck by all the monuments and attractions. This is a work hard/play hard city with many things for 18+ students to go to. Most of the nightlife consists of going to a club or bar with friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Some of my friends needed transportation to hospitals, and the staff was educated of what to do, and what needed to be done. I felt completely safe knowing that there were people who could take care of me if I need it. |
| 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? | I spent about $750 on transportation, food, and entertainment |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be prepared to spend money if you want to have fun. Also, D.C. has a 10% tax on all prepared food. That is where it makes all the money |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Know that one of the programs out here is for you. Do not just guess that you would "probably like" the international affairs class. Also do not think that you have to be a political science major to come out here. Some of the people I met out here were journalists and even microbiologists. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
National Government & Politics |
| Course Department: | WSEM-400-N01T-WSEM-600-N01T-2010XN |
| Instructor: | Dr. Jeffrey Crouch |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This class took advantage of the fact that it was taught in D.C. Instead of just talking about places, we visited them. Instead of talking about theories, we applied them. The teacher was so well prepared and knowledgeable, I was in awe of his expertise. I participated just as much at American as I do at Trinity. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
