Magical, exhausting, inspiring! Past Review

By (Classical and Ancient Studies., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/04/2012 to 06/16/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - Art History Europe Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I know how to travel better: where to go for food, what my pace is, where I should spend my time. I know so much more about art and geography, and I also understand just how different people are from each other. While I would travel differently - better - if I was to go again (because of my experience and what I know now) it was definitely worthwhile. I loved it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My program was very different from the class work that I am used to, but I definitely preferred it. We were busy visiting archaeological sites and museums, taking notes, etc. While there was less studying, writing, and quizzing, I still learned a lot from visiting the actual sites and seeing the real artwork.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were traveling around quite a lot on our program. We would stay in different hotels, sometimes moving locations every night. For the most part, they were nice, clean places.

* Food:

All of the students bought their own food. Occasionally the professors would take the entire group out to dinner, and those nights were always fun. We ate great Italian pasta, German sauerkraut, and Greek salad!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were traveling around from city to city so much that I never felt like I was integrated with any of the local cultures before we were moving on to the next city. It was an incredible experience to see so much of Europe, but I do want to go back and spend a fair amount of time in one place.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Since we were traveling around at a fast place, in dirty, crowded areas, most of us got a cold at some point on the trip. We all had the medicine that we needed, and we took it easy and got better though.

* Safety:

The safety of the cities varied: Naples was the sketchiest.

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)

Europe is expensive - worth it.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Art!
  • The Architecture
  • The Landscapes
* What could be improved?
  • The prep. class
  • Directions or planning so we have a better idea of where we are and where we're going next
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known to take my time at each place, museum, artwork, etc. Soak in wherever you are at instead of trying to pack in as much as you can.