Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best 11 months of my life! October 03, 2023

By (None) - abroad from 07/13/2022 to 05/30/2023 with

EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so many things about the different cultures that you can find in the United States.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I spent 11 months in Tucson, Arizona, United States. Choosing to sign up for my exchange year was simply the best decision I have ever taken. I stayed with an amazing host family that took care of me during the whole academic year and that made me feel just like home from the very first day. During my experience, not only I was able to improve my English, that became more fluent and natural, but I also became more independent and confident. One of the things that I loved the most about EF was the preparation that they gave me before departure, which helped me make the right choices during the year. For example, from the start of the school year, I immediately got myself extremely involved in school activities like sports and clubs. This helped me to make a lot of friends and to know so many different people. Another reason why I would choose EF again is the support that they showed me in the most difficult moments of my exchange, they were always there for me. I would definitely suggest this experience to everyone, it's going to change your life!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amazing and caring host family that made me experience different things during my year.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to make lots of friends and I've always felt very well integrated.

* 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

EF showed me support through their coordinators and gave me a great preparation on how to face problematics that I could've run into throughout my journey.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 dollars

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? A2 certificate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talking with people is the best way to improve your language skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • School
  • living with my host family
  • sports and friendships
* What could be improved?
  • More events with other exchange students of the same city organized my the local coordinator
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be strong in the though times because once you get through them, you'll have an unforgettable experience

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.