Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best growing independence and self-discovery experience of my life Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., George Washington University) - abroad from 08/22/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

CIEE: Brussels - Business, Communications and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
New found sense of confidence in myself- meeting new people, out of my comfort zone, traveling alone/with friends, not understanding the languages, trying new foods/drinks, keeping contact with family and friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Much less intense than home university. However, this was expected.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Responsible for my own meals, but school cafeteria was average.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Only because I don't speak French or Dutch. Not an issue for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't experience myself, but from others' experiences and stories, healthcare seemed accommodating.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe except for a few select times.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook with your roommate!

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
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? Meet locals!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions!
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing- I was prepared

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.