Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sri Lanka Past Review

By (College of the Holy Cross) - abroad from 08/28/2019 to 12/16/2018 with

IFSA: Intercollegiate Sri Lanka Education Program / ISLE

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about politics, ethno-religious conflict, and Hinduism

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.

Classes were good but disorganized

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fabulous-- everyone who works for ISLE on the ground in Sri Lanka is nothing but the best

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Learn a language

* 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? 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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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

  • Americans
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?
  • field trips
  • independent study
* What could be improved?
  • organization
  • asking students what they're interested in and doing that
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? learn as much language as you can in advance

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!