CIS abroad Design Your Own Summer Trip Past Review
By A student (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 05/27/2019 to 07/27/2019 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Design-Your-Own Summer Abroad
This trip was very worthwhile because it brought me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to make amazing friends. I gained a greater sense of self, an appreciation for my life back home, and the urge to travel again!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
The hostels, dorm, and homestay arrangements were perfect for me! However, I'm a very laid back person and had little expectations coming in. For someone with high expectations (comfiest beds, no bugs ,access to AC, etc.) may not enjoy the housing. |
| * Food: |
Try new things! |
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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? |
I stopped in a pharmacy multiple times throughout my trip and the staff were more than willing to help me, do some research, and recommend medications. Cheap too. |
| * Safety: |
Stay with a group at all times. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I felt safe, challenged, and had an amazing time abroad. I gained self confidence, clarity on my career choice, and improved my Spanish speaking skills. |
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) |
I spent a lot on food and weekend trips. I spent minimal on souvenir gifts. |
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 |
I stayed in a homestay with a family that only spoke Spanish. This encouraged me to use and really learn the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Spanish Conversation |
| 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? | Speak the language outside of the classroom as much as possible and don't be afraid to mess up. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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? | Purchase a local/international SIM card if your'e staying abroad longer than three weeks. Also, download WhatsApp with your U.S. number (before inserting the international SIM card). |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
