Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Inspiring Past Review

By (Biology, General., Trinity University) - abroad from 07/01/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative / BIPAI: Global - Health Care Volunteer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about flexibility, and being comfortable in a different environment. I also learned a lot about being on my own, as there was not a sort of structure to the experience.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: No classes
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was not an academic class

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was not so much of a program, as we were trying to figure out for ourselves what to do each day.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flat was nice and clean and comfortable.

* Food:

The food was good as we got to make all of our own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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

  • Other
* 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?
  • The ability to have an indepth look at a healthcare system that addressed an extremely pertinent disease.
* What could be improved?
  • If there was a certain program that students could be involved in, in the clinic. Or perhaps a project to be a part of.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more of the language. I wish I knew about the places to travel near by and the opportunities to take advantage of outside the clinic.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'