Cymru am bith! Past Review

By (Linguistics., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 06/23/2012 to 08/11/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Wales - Wales Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about other cultures and languages and people. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Program was fantastic all around. Intensive and challenging without being over-the-top.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Tom's a fantastic administrator of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lovely houses.

* Food:

Delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved getting to know the Welsh, especially at church services.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The only time I was sick, I was taken care of promptly.

* Safety:

Cardiff is really safe. No problems.

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? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 30 pounds (or less), I'd estimate.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be smart.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Welsh 102
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? Speak often and with everyone.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Exposure to local customs & language
  • Travel & historic sites
  • Food & cameraderie
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing! Absolutely great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much fun I was going to have.