A surreal experience. Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/29/2012 to 05/20/2012 with

CIEE: Budapest - Business + European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was definitely worthwhile. It gave me some of the best experiences of my life that I thought I would never have. It also gave me practical skills such as navigating through a foreign country.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking food inside helps save some costs.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None in Hungarian
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? It's best to use a phrasebook that gives you practical sayings. (ie. lonely planet)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • The people
  • The food
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • Perhaps an intensive week of Hungarian language prior to start date
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how quickly time would pass while abroad. Also, that being a Junior abroad is somewhat tricky because there are many things career-wise that one has to do during that year.