Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

You live and you learn! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/06/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

CIEE: Lisbon - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile because I got to see a beautiful city.

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

No support, on-site director was no helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Homestay experience with mom was terrible, switched to dorms

* 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:

very safe place

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • learning a new language
  • experiencing a new city and culture
  • meeting people from all over the world
* What could be improved?
  • support from on-site director
  • assessment of homestays and their treatment of students
  • explanation of what is to be expected prior to departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I learned that you should do research of a program before choosing. Where I went, people are not politically correct like the the U.S., so that is something to keep in mind. Also, being somewhat advanced in a language may help your experience.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.