Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible, Irreplaceable, Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Art History and Curatorial Studies, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 06/07/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - Art History Europe Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience is the most worthwhile experience of my entire education. It is the perfect foundation and resource for my major in Art History and Curatorial Studies. Having a personal experience with art is irreplaceable and invaluable.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Two hotels were moldy, and we had to share a bed in one because the hotel did not honor original arrangements.

* Food:

Loved that the program provided several authentic meals, and that we were able to control cost by choosing how to provide most of our own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We didn't stay long enough in any one area to feel integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt generally safe, as long as I was in a group. A man tried to knock me down and mug me by Hyde Park in London, but that was my only incident. I did notice pick pocketing in Rome, but I think if you are aware and careful these cities are like any big city in America.

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)

Some countries were more expensive than others, but most had inexpensive food stands, grocery stores, and most of our hotels had a continental breakfast. Food was our only necessary personal expense.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably spent a max of 50 euros on food, but I treated myself to a nice meal in each country. 20 euros is probably the minimum I spent in a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring snacks from home! I brought granola bars and fruit snacks that got me through the whole trip, and saved me a ton of snack and lunch money. Buy 2-3 days worth of bread, crackers, fruits, veggies and other food that can last a few days without refrigeration at grocery stores when you can. Even some cheeses don't require refrigeration in the time it will take for you to eat them. Juice boxes saved me. You can buy 3-packs in most stores for 2 euros or less. Be careful not to overbuy. Split bigger items with other students. Bring your own water to restaurants! They hate it but they charge a ridiculous amount for bread and water -- it's not free!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Personal experience with art
  • Being able to ask questions
  • Having excellent program directors
* What could be improved?
  • Better hotels in some cities
  • More time to wander museums
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a smaller suitcase.

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!