Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Outsider At Home Past Review

By (Women's and Gender Studies and Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/09/2014 to 04/29/2014 with

American University: Washington D.C - Washington Semester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to network in a professional setting and how to get ahead in DC. My best experienced occurred outside the classroom, at professional events, workshops, volunteer opportunities. It was not worthwhile because the reason I was there - the "study" of study abroad - was not engaging.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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? $50

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • My classmates
* What could be improved?
  • Integration into the AU community. We were a small class (10) and kept completely separate. It was nearly impossible to meet new people, even as a very social person.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would be hard to integrate into the AU community, hard to meet new people, and, honestly, hard to enjoy the social scene in DC without being 21. There is virtually no where for a student under the age of 21 to go on a weekend.

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.