Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best, most rewarding decision ever. Past Review

By (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 09/11/2012 to 09/11/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - Global Marketing Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater perspective and appreciation for the world around me. It humbled me to see so many different places, with people living in different environments. It inspired me to want to work hard professionally, but also reminded me to make living and sharing the gospel my highest priority. It was definitely worthwhile!!

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?

* 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? It depended on the country, I spent a lot in Europe, but very little in Russia, Thailand & China.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be smart about it. You don't have to eat at a "fancy" meal every day, just eat simply & save money. But also.. splurge a little for experiences that are worth it.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Meeting with a variety of companies in a variety of countries.
  • Being given the time to explore on our own, but also having structured activities to do as a group.
  • The very balanced focus it had not only on our professional endeavors, but also on our spiritual well-being.
* What could be improved?
  • I'd skip Russia & spend more time elsewhere.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had individually reviewed the history of a few of the places we had gone, so I could appreciate them even more.