The best part of my college experience! Past Review
By Lianne Peterson (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 01/28/2016 to 05/29/2017 with
API (Academic Programs International): Dubrovnik - Libertas International University
I learned so much about Croatian culture and history, and I have a greater understanding of European perspectives regarding major events such as wars,
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I found the classes to be a bit easy, but the professors were flown in from all over and were very qualified, including a former ambassador. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Resident Directors, Nada and Ivana, were amazing and extremely helpful. I went to them with questions about housing, travel, and academics, and they were able to answer all of my questions or help me find a solution. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were 200 stairs to get to my apartment, but the view made it well worth the climb. I lived in an apartment with two roommates, and all of the other people in my program lived in the same complex, or within a 10-15 minute walk. The university was also about a 10 minute walk from my apartment |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were able to interact with the locals on a daily basis, and quickly found our favorite bars and restaurants. Most locals speak English and so it is very easy to befriend them and learn about the history of Dubrovnik. Because we were there before tourist season began, it was easy for us to learn about the Croatian culture and way of life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I happened to get a virus while I was in Dubrovnik and ended up having to go to the doctor's office. Ivana, my resident director, arranged for me to see the doctor and took me there to ensure that there was no miscommunication. The doctor was helpful and the quality of healthcare was good. He prescribed me medications and explained how to use them, and it was easy to pick them up at the pharmacy. I did have to submit an insurance claim through API in order to get back the fee for the visit. |
| * Safety: |
Dubrovnik is very safe, and I felt comfortable walking around alone at any hour. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The cost of living in Croatia is much lower than in the US. This semester abroad cost me much less than a semester in the US does. |
| 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? | If you avoid eating out and/or avoid the touristy restaurants, groceries and shops in Old Town, then you can save a lot of money. Additionally, always ask about student discounts - even the ice cream shop gave us a discount. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There are some things in the US that can be much harder to find in Croatia. If having something is important to you, then make sure you bring it along. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
