Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Broadreach: Scandinavia Video Adventure! Past Review

By (High School) - abroad from 06/22/2017 to 07/09/2017 with

Broadreach - Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a deeper knowledge of how to operate the camera application on my phone. I learned how to edit a video professionally. Also, while being there I learned basic Swedish and Norwegian phrases. Being in that environment, it made me more culturally aware of how things are different there than from the U.S. The experience was most definitely 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.

There was much intensity and arduous tasks that were given to us throughout the program which I greatly appreciated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was very generous and kind in both Norway and Sweden, it was a very welcoming environment. I always felt comforted by the outgoingness of their communities, it didn't make me miss home as much.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the most part I was very satisfied, the hostels and the Airbnb were very nice. However, at one of the hostels the mats we slept on were thin and uncomfortable.

* Food:

I liked the food, everything was well-planned. I appreciate that there was always a back-up plan if you didn't like the food or were allergic. However, every now and then, it felt like we were eating the same thing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very connected with the local culture. Being able to take videos of the environment surrounding us made me feel that I was truly embracing the Scandinavian culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues among the trip besides a minor bruise, but the care provided in general was very good.

* Safety:

Being in Scandinavia, everyone was very kind and thoughtful. One time, as a group, we got lost and people gave us directions. Overall, I felt very safe because of the close-knit community in Sweden and Norway. For future students, I recommend not straying far from your group, if you need to go somewhere, always bring another peer. If you are alone and get lost, try to find a shop or an officer, so you can get in contact with your counselor.

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

I would choose the same program because I learned a tremendous amount of material on videography (even photography), which drastically improved my skills. Also, the environment was very homey and the people were kindhearted. My overall experience was amazing, I wouldn't change a thing. I do believe I truly embraced the Scandinavian culture while I was there.

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)

It was easy enough for me, however, I know some people in my group struggled a bit in budgeting their money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? For money, I believe we had a budget of about $200 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only buy something, if it's a necessity or something you really want, don't go spending your money freely. Try to give yourself a weekly budget.

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
* 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?
  • Videography
  • Environment
* What could be improved?
  • Living Arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about how to edit a video, so I could of had a greater understanding before coming on the trip. It would also have been useful to learn basic Scandinavian sayings before going on the trip.

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!