Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Such a great experience overall! Past Review

By (Nursing., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/27/2013 to 05/22/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - Nursing in Ecuador

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about different cultures, I practiced nursing skills, I got to visit another country, I had tons of fun, I got close to my classmates, I got to know great people - definitely worthwhile!

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.

Loved it!

* 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? $70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In terms of buying souvenirs, think of what you really want and how much you're willing to pay for it before bargaining with the salespeople. They can be very aggressive.

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? Advanced
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? Read the Book of Mormon out loud in Spanish.

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
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?
  • Being able to serve other people using my nursing knowledge
  • Doing touristy things like shopping, zip-lining, site-seeing
  • Things were pretty laid back as far as assignments went
* What could be improved?
  • More hands-on practice in the hospitals
  • More opportunities to teach in the communities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to ask questions, make goals of things you want to learn so you can take initiative

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.