Past Review
By Paige (Political Science and Government., Tulane University) for
American University: Washington D.C - Washington Semester Program
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained interviewing and other professional skills, a better understanding of political issues all around the world.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | American University |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were different every day, which kept it interesting but made planning other activities slightly difficult. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program staff is helpful and a bridge between the program and American University. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The house was very nice and had an open floor plan that made it seem bigger. The maintenance service was usually pretty quick. It was about 5 blocks from 2 metro stations which was very convenient. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself so I made what I like. There are also lots of restaurants around to eat out. The cafeteria is average, but I only ate there once. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Washington Semester Student Association put on several events, but I didn't go to many due to timing and location. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no health issues on the program, but American University's Student Health Center was available for use. There are lots of police around the Capitol, so I was not worried in my neighborhood. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | $50 on groceries; $20 on transportation |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Commuting costs can really add up, so be aware. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I believe my writing skills improved. |
Other Program Information
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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? | It is a wonderful opportunity to see "real life" applications of all the theory you get in classes. |
