A one of a kind experience to remember Past Review
By A student (Geography and Cartography., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/27/2012 to 12/20/2012 with
API (Academic Programs International): Krakow - Jagiellonian University
I encountered situations that I had not previously had to deal with in my life, and was forced to sort things out on my own with the people and resources around me. I met people who gave me an entirely new perspective on my life and whom I plan to stay in touch with long-term. It has changed my perspective on life and has made my assimilation back into my home university and previous life a different adjustment.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
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? |
My feeling of integration will be different than most others, because I am of Polish descent. I speak Polish and felt more comfortable to join clubs or talk to other people in the native language. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Everything was handled very quickly and well from my advisor to the doctor and pharmacy, I had no problems. |
| * Safety: |
The housing was in the main city center, so it made it easy to find very well lit streets to walk home on and feel safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
|
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Find a tandem speaking partner to meet with during the week. This is popular among many young adults in Europe. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing for myself, but I think my rooommates (not Polish) would have wanted to be social sooner and find ways to become more integrated with the culture around them. |
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. |
