Past Review
By Esin E (Political Science and Government., Tulane University) for
American University: Washington D.C - Washington Semester Program
I learned so much. I really think that this semester was a turning point for my education and future career. If you're interested, go for it!
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. |
I was VERY lucky in my classes. I had an amazing professor with a healthy amount of reading but it was very doable. I learned so much in these classes, I really can't imagine not doing it. It changed my whole outlook and helped me focus better on my future career. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing location was very convenient (about a block from the metro station) and there were some very nice restaurants around. I ended up in a room for 3 rather than 2 (which was what I had signed up for) but it was no problem. We had issues with the heating in the room and they came to fix it a couple times but it never really worked. Other than that, the dorms were very fun to live in and I don't have any complaints. |
| * Food: |
The Bruff Commons cafeteria food could have been better, but it wasn't that awful either. There are also a LOT of outside choices very close to campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's DC, there is always so much going on! I had a great time there and there is something for everybody. There is also sooo much to see! And if you find that you somehow finish all there is to do in DC, you could always go to Virginia, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania for the weekend.You will NOT get bored. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | Money goes fast in DC, so you have to be careful if you're on a tight budget. I probably spend around $3000-4000 (including meals). |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
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'll help you really focus on what you want to do with your life and get you thinking about a lot of things. And you'll meet some awesome people along the way. Plus, you'll get to live in a different city for a semester, but since it is in the US you'll still be looking through the American lens. I thought this was helpful because it cleared things up a lot about my own country rather than giving me a completely new lens to look through. |
