Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Different everything, the same self Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/30/2012 to 07/25/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - Berlin and Vienna Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have exposure now to radically different styles of living. I feel like I have opened myself up to more opportunities and methods of living than I ever knew were possible. I have more enthusiasm and understanding for what life is and how I want to live mine.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Goethe Institute, American Institute
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out how much you want to spend on food and souvenirs and concerts etc. as well as you can before you get there!

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 343
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? Make friends with native students who are interested in the same things you are. Make a point not to speak your native language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Opportunities to see life lived differently than in the USA
  • Becoming a part of a foreign culture
  • Speaking German and developing new communication skills
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I had lived with other native students or people my age
  • Europe is freaking expensive -- so was the program. This isn't really avoidable though.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The cost of living in Europe is considerably higher than in the states. And life goes on. No matter where you are, your life keeps happening just the same.