Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying and Interning Domestically Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Trinity University) - abroad from 06/03/2013 to 08/02/2013 with

American University: Washington D.C - Washington Semester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about what I may want to do in my future from this program. I had never been to DC before or knew much about life there, so spending the summer living there helped me figure out if it is a place I could see myself in a few years.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We only met once a week and my specific class was mostly discussion based when we met in a classroom setting. We did have many meetings outside of class that were more about the experience rather than rigorous or intense schoolwork. However, when we did have a "traditional" class, we took time to talk about readings and were heavily encouraged to participate.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration was helpful if there were any troubles, but generally not too involved.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in apartments that were walking distance from American University. They were not maintained to the best standards, but for two months they worked. There were some problems with the water and bugs.

* Food:

I opted to not get a meal plan because I was only on campus once a week, but my friends who had them thought it was alright. Also, it was nice that EagleBucks could be used in a number of different places on and off campus

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After a couple of weeks I got used to the local culture in DC. It was a not a huge culture shock or anything, but there were smaller details. Definitely a much faster paced city than what I am used to. I had to get used to using buses and the metro, as well as city life in general. Also, through my specific class I got to see other sides of DC that people do not usually visit or want to be around, so that was an interesting aspect of my program

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health related issues, but the program was informative about what to do if you had them.

* Safety:

I felt relatively safe in DC. It is a big city with some not so great parts, so you just have to be smart. I felt comfortable traveling alone and was more alert at night, but usually I was with friends or a group of people.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

DC is expensive. Grocery shopping and public transportation took up a significant part of my budget. Also, dining out was pricey.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Realize that transportation will put a dent in your budget more than you may originally think.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • not too demanding
* What could be improved?
  • More encouragement to be with people in the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that my internship would be the main focus of my summer. The program was definitely a side component of my experience. We only met once a week, meanwhile I interned for 4 days a week. The program was nice to have as something to have when I first got to DC, but as time went by, it became less of a need.

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 Urbanite
A 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.