Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A trip of a lifetime. European Experience: Ireland, Scotland, England, and Spain Past Review

By (Psychology/ Neuroscience, Thiel College) - abroad from 05/17/2015 to 08/01/2015 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more open-minded and how to experience life. I was able to do more things at the end because I was more willing to accept the adventure. It was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors in both the British Isles portion and Spain were very helpful in connecting what we were doing in class to what was going on around us.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved my on-site coordinators! They were so helpful and were willing to answer any and all questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I supplied my own food which was nice because I chose what I wanted to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Really got a nice sense of every culture I was put into.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program set up a doctors appointment for me and helped me be able to get that care. They also followed up with me making sure I was doing all that I needed to so I could be healthy.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in every country I went to as well as every city.

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)

It was hard due to the amount of time I was abroad. But I was able to maintain a strong budget and I was able to do it. I did everything I wanted to while I was abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up more money than you think may be necessary. Also keep in mind the currency exchanges.

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

We used it in class as well as while walking around and having outside class discussions in 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? N/a
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 whenever you can. Even if it is with your on-site coordinator. Use it when you order food or asking for directions.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The cities I traveled
  • The food I ate
  • The salsa class!
* What could be improved?
  • Some of the hostels
  • The program paying for food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The exchange rate is important in looking at a budget. Also, to try everything no matter what it may bring.

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.