Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure Awaits Past Review

By (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/20/2016 to 05/28/2016 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Andros Island - Science and Schooling

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to never be afraid of something that is different or scary. This trip stretched my limits and was so worth it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved learning this way! It was both easy and more difficult at the same time. We only really had real-life lessons instead of just sitting in a classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Felt safe the entire time thanks to excellent and fun staff. They were very good at making us feel comfortable. Encouraged us to try new things!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was like expected. I new we were not staying at a 5 star hotel, so was not bad at all. We had a huge bug in our room which added to the adventure. Wouldn't find anything like it at home.

* Food:

Minus one star because sometimes wish their was more food. I do not like eggs and that was the common breakfast. The food was delicious though. I even ate the mac and cheese which is a food I do not like. We even ate actually Bahamian food made by a local! This was a yummy cultural experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Seemed far away from local culture simply because under populated, so everyone is spread out. We did have a learning adventure when the locals taught us basket weaving.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not really have any health related problems. My peers who did however got the medical attention they needed.

* Safety:

The hosts were very conscious of our safety during the trip. We snorkeled and they gave us a lot of safety tips like being careful around fire coral.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved pushing my limits and knowing I could do something on my own that I had never done before. I would do it again without a doubt. Even when things went wrong we all laughed about it and had a blast.

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)

This trip was perfectly in my means.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for Scholarships!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being near the ocean for 8 days straight.
  • The people I shared it with.
  • Seeing Bahamian Schools
* What could be improved?
  • We stayed in a terrible hotel in FL the night before we flew to Andros.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought more sunscreen and bug spray with 100% deet. I also would have brought more snacks. My goggles were brand new, but make sure you have tested the goggles beforehand. Finally make sure you plan enough in the lessons and it is okay to rely on other people for help.

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.