Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Wish I Could Do it Again Past Review

By (University of Colorado - Denver) - abroad from 01/28/2016 to 05/28/2016 with

API (Academic Programs International): Dubrovnik - Libertas International University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The biggest thing I learned was really how to understand different world views without assuming that the American view is the correct view. I gained a lot of confidence in myself and the people I met and the experiences I had benefitted me in jobs when I came back to the states.

Review Photos

API (Academic Programs International): Dubrovnik - DIU Libertas International University Photo API (Academic Programs International): Dubrovnik - DIU Libertas International University Photo API (Academic Programs International): Dubrovnik - DIU Libertas International University Photo API (Academic Programs International): Dubrovnik - DIU Libertas International University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

School was definitely different than it is in the US. The course-load was about the same, but sometimes classes got moved around and sometimes it is a struggle to understand other people's accents. However every class provided me a new world view that I was able to take back with me to the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Nada and Ivana are absolutely wonderful people. They were so helpful about school, personal trips, or anything else you could ask for.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I couldn't have asked for a better apartment. I tell people a lot that I'm never going to live in as nice of an apartment as I did in Dubrovnik. Between our beautiful kitchen and the stunning view overlooking the adriatic, it just couldn't be beat.

* Food:

Bureks, seafood risotto, 75 cent icecream.... The food was incredible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is very easy to just fall back and hangout with the other Americans but if you go out there on your own and talk to locals you will learn so much about the local culture and language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health issues but a few of the people there with me in Dubrovnik did. Our program advisors were incredibly helpful, but I was told there was a bit of a language barrier and using travel insurance was complicated- but it all worked out in the end!

* Safety:

When I left for Croatia, a lot of people asked me - "isn't it dangerous?" and the short answer is no. I felt so safe, even walking home in the middle of the night by myself despite the fact that I was in a foreign country where I didn't know the language.

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

I loved everything about this program. The people, the location, the food, the trips we took... I would do it all over again if I could.

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)

I spent about half of what I spend here in the US. Very cheap and affordable!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop! Buy most of your alcohol at a grocery store instead of at the bar. Pack snacks.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • the place
  • the people
  • the culture
* What could be improved?
  • teaching curriculum
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that they don't have can openers in Croatia. I would have brought a can opener.

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.