Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rewarding but challenging Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/16/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Latin America - Challenges in Water Resources

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How difficult it is to work in a foreign language, and how much cultural difference can hinder progress if not properly understood.

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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Remember that the meals will mostly be paid for on your own, the university didn't pay for much- but since breakfast is included, if you eat a good 1st meal you shouldn't have to spend too much money although you'll probably want to the food is really great!

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? Fluent
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? Spanish 321
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? Prepare for technical communication

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Chance to work with other students
  • Opportunity to use spanish language skills
  • Opporunity to address actual challenges in a foreign country
* What could be improved?
  • Better integration between DR and Mexico groups- help from Dr. Nelson with WMS during class time
  • Economics
  • Better integration of final project requirements throughout the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? ?

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!