Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Decision of My Life! Past Review

By (University of Georgia) - abroad from 06/25/2013 to 07/31/2013 with

Atlantis: Pre-med Fellowship Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Participating in the Atlantis project was the best decision of my life.After completing the Atlantis Project, I was certain that I wanted to pursue a career in Pediatrics. I was able to shadow a wide variety of physicians and learn a lot about the Portuguese health care system, which I then compared to the American health care system. It was also worthwhile to teach English to the locals and witness their tremendous progress in a short amount of time.

Review Photos

Atlantis Project: Pre-Health Internships Photo

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.

The Atlantis Project gave me an incredible opportunity to shadow a wide variety of physicians. I was able to obtain a very up close and personal exposure to the medical field. During my time in the Azores, I was also able to learn about the differences between the Portuguese and American Health care systems. From my shadowing experience, I had an abundant amount of information to share during my medical school interviews. Also, I would highly recommend everyone who is considering to participate to have a dual experience with hospital and teaching. I taught the beginner class of the teaching program and absolutely loved it. Everyone was always eager to learn and participate. A great experience that's very rewarding, especially when you see the progress your students make.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was blessed to have had the opportunity to stay with a host family in the Azores. They were kind, friendly, and very welcoming. I never had a problem with anyone from the family. In fact, I went on several trips with the family during my stay and still keep in touch with them today quite frequently. Staying with a host family allowed me to really immerse myself within the culture.

* Food:

Portuguese food is, in my opinion, the healthiest and most delicious food...in the world!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Portuguese are very friendly and welcoming people. They are very relaxed and stress free. Life in Portugal is like paradise.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During the Atlantis Project, I was able to shadow a neonatologist, OB-GYN, and general surgeon. I observed several different surgeries and was able to get close to see the surgeon's every move and incision. The hospital staff was very welcoming and supportive. The Portuguese health care system is free to every citizen so waiting times are a bit prolonged at times.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe walking around the city at night. Never had a bad encounter with anyone.

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)

Everything in Portugal is very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Host Family
  • Shadowing Experience
  • Teaching Component
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.