Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Broadreach Takes Beautiful British Columbia Past Review

By (Summit Christian Academy) - abroad from 07/21/2016 to 08/11/2016 with

Broadreach - Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about marine mammals and the ocean, I also had my worldview broadened by the people that I came in contact with. I also gained new information about myself. It was completely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The college credit part of our trip was really great! We had a very flexible schedule while on the trip, and were able to fit the schedule to our needs for the most part. I learned a lot from my instructor, who was charismatic and engaging towards us students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were no issues with on-site administration. The whole trip went very smoothly in this area.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All of the places that we stayed were beautiful, safe, and educational. A favorite of mine was Salmon Coast Field Station.

* Food:

I have dietary restrictions, but I was still accommodated very well. I was never hungry, and I always had options for great food to eat. Even the kayak guides went above and beyond in purchasing extra so I could share in the same meals as everyone else.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local Canadian culture that we experienced was fairly similar to the American life that I know. Our group did get a lesson on the First Nations people of British Columbia.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There were no vaccines required for this trip. Our group was fortunate enough to have no illnesses beyond a common cold. There was no need for healthcare.

* Safety:

We always felt very safe, but I would thoroughly encourage future students to always follow the rules and do as they are told. The instructors know best!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

British Columbia is one of my favorite places on the whole planet. It was so much fun, and I learned a great amount of information. It exceeded any expectation that I could have had.

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)

Most of the food prices were included in the original cost of the trip, but snacks were often purchased. I never ran out of spending money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure that you buy anything according to the amount of luggage space you have!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Seeing marine mammals often.
  • Living with a small group of people.
  • Kayaking.
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt mostly prepared for this program, but I wish I would have known that layering clothing is key. I might have brought one more layer of clothing.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.