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
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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
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* 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 |
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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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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! |
