Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing summer learning and working at a castle!!! Past Review

By (History, Anthropology, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 06/27/2015 to 07/25/2015 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Louvain-la-Neuve - Summer Archeology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile! I gained independence and confidence to be able to go to and travel in a country where English was not the native language. It was just the right amount of guidance and freedom given to us my the administrators. It was a cultural and academic learning experience as well, and I made great friends.

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.

This was a really incredible experience, especially for Americans who aren't used to seeing castles everywhere. To be able to work in one everyday and learn archaeology and history and interact with Belgians and live in the country to really experience the culture was so amazing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The accommodations were in a great location and had everything we needed. They may have been a little sparse at first impression but they were very nice to live in.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was really awesome because we got to work alongside the Belgians students and archaeologists for the whole month and interact with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The food is really pretty good, so you really only need to spend money on personal travel and souvenirs. I didn't even spend that much on travel because I went on the optional weekend trips so I didn't pay much for those.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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 work
  • The country
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing

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.