Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Zero distance to the ocean. Past Review

By (--, Lesley College) - abroad from 07/08/2014 to 07/29/2014 with

Broadreach - Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely marine mammal related knowledge, skills in camping and for kayaking. How to make foreign friends. How to live in a totally unfamiliar culture. I think it was 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.

We were busy finishing lecture notes and homework everyday because we had many out-door events like kayaking and camping. We had access to lots of books instead of internet to do our project on Gilford Island, which I found a bit challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was my fisrt time camping, including rustic camping, so I spent some time to get used to it. However, I definitely made some good freinds under a harsh living conditions. It will not be fun if you are afraid of steping out your comfort zone, isn't that right?

* Food:

My type--I do not really care about what I eat as long as I am not starving. The food was fine--classic camping food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a lecture about First Nations and visited Billy and his collection-museum. We also had a tour in a local museum which I particulally enjoyed a lot.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My instructors carried the fist-aid bag everywhere we went so I felt safe and I was quite safe! I did not have special vaccine for this program.

* Safety:

If you are not familiar to kayaking, like me at the beginning of the program, it will be scary. As long as you follow the instructions and stay calm, you will enjoy it.

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)

I did not spent over 50 dollars for the whole trip except for the program expense which I paid prior to the start date.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than 20 dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No. You will be fine.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Get really close to the ocean and its residents.
  • Make friends.
  • Enjoy life on islands.
* What could be improved?
  • Accomodation.
  • More in-depth study material.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It was quite cold. Do not hestitae to bring WARM clothes. Everyone was really nice and there is no need to worry at all.

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!