Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life opens up when you do Past Review

By (Environmental Science., Texas Christian University) - abroad from 02/05/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

CIEE: Monteverde - Sustainability + The Environment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I could have made while in college. I absolutely loved my time abroad and would talk anyones ear off about this program. I learned so much more than just academics, and I made friends and memories that will stick with me for a lifetime.

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.

This program offered the perfect amount of intensity and rigor while still allowing us to enjoy our time in a foreign country and participate in local activities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone involved in making this program run smoothly was 100 percent invested in the purpose, goals, and message of the program. You felt like they really cared about you and your experiences in that country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family and the atmosphere they provided.

* Food:

I got to experience the traditional food and the everyday struggles of a working mom trying to feed 4 children. It was great getting to share that time with my family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like my host family really tried to let me be a part of their family and I loved every activity I got to do in the town.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues but I think it was fine.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, even when walking at night I was usually with someone or made it back fast enough I didn't have to worry about anything.

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)

Your food was provided so it was very easy to live on a minimal budget

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe $50 on snacks and drinks
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? plan out a general budget when you get there and realize the costs. If you have any big outings you want to participate in allot enough money for that specifically

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3rd year high school spanish
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? Look at it everyday, doesn't have to be a lot, but constant exposure to it will help more than anything

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Getting to meet students with similar interests from around the country
  • exploring the natural world and really learning about the country we were living in
  • The ability to interact with the host culture and feeling like a part of the family
* What could be improved?
  • Make sure the advisors for the internship have a clear set of goals for everyone
  • Maybe one or two more free saturdays
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Time is short, enjoy every second. It will all lead to teaching you something in the end.

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.