A chaotic dream that I never wish to wake from. European Experience: Ireland, Scotland, England, and Spain Past Review
By Sarris C (Xavier University) - abroad from 05/12/2014 to 07/25/2014 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Reviews from Former Locations
Perspective, wisdom, experiences. It was totally worthwhile. Get out there, go travel. It's the best. It opens your mind.
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. |
It was highly educational in a way that most people in conventional classrooms would never get to experience. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
You buy your own food. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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's hard to not spend money. You're abroad, you should splurge! At the same time the exchange rate sucks. But you certainly won't regret it if you spend on experiences. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I'm not sure per week, but I spent nearly $3,000 overall. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Three words: grocery store food. |
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 |
The Spanish part of the trip was rigorous but very worthwhile. |
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? | SPAN 102 |
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? | Use it or lose it! Don't be afraid! |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's cold in the UK in May! |