Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I would do it again in a heartbeat! Past Review

By (Communication Sciences And Disorders, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 08/26/2011 to 05/18/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was a one in a lifetime experience. I was opened to so many new views and opinions and I got to see so much. It was worthwhile and something I hope I can do again in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic experience was not intense work load wise but I got to experience some of the most interesting and fun classes I have ever been offered.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

On-site administration was amazing! They were like a family away from home they were so helpful and did everything to make your stay more enjoyable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great locations! Nothing particularly negative about the housing it was just different than in the USA where you have a lot of appliances such as a dryer.

* Food:

I miss the food so much. The most fresh and enjoyable food!! You will want to try everything!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish I was more involved in the local culture. It was difficult to get out there when you lived with American students and went to an english speaking institute. When you are not forced to leave the comfort of your own language you do not experience the culture as much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I got sick it was really easy to get the correct medication. The only part I got nervous about was that I am allergic to some medications so I would make sure you have the correct translations of any specifications you have.

* Safety:

I felt safe most of the time which sometimes created an illusion that you were totally safe. I would say when you are out at night is when you have to be most alert. Even when Florence had a protest and some unsafe events my program was good at sending us alerts and telling us if it was unsafe.

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)

The food was not that expensive especially if you use the food market that is held outside. The hardest part was when you wanted to indulge in personal items such as clothes and the leather market.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euro maybe 75 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use local markets before the grocery store it is much cheaper. When eating out you can bring a water bottle. Water is very expensive when out wine is cheaper. Also anything near big land marks will be more expensive than something down the street because it is a big tourist attraction.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian beginner part two
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? Interact with the locals. Insist on using it when out even though many Italians know english its good to practice even if you are just ordering a cup of coffee.

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

  • 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?
  • traveling
  • fun classes
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • more local interaction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that time would fly by so fast!

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.