Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Travel Program, not an abroad program Past Review

By (Emerson College) - abroad from 01/19/2012 to 04/19/2012 with

Emerson College: Kasteel Well: The Netherlands

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
You are so much more independent/self sufficient than you think you are! Traveling really tests your skills, but you'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

We spent $5000 extra dollars on travel fees, and I don't think I got $5000 out of both travel excursions.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-300 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take flights at weird times or weird days. I saved almost 150 euro taking a flight on Monday morning than on a Sunday night.

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
  • Apartment
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Got to see lots of different places
  • Taveled with people I knew/and people I didn't
  • Foces you to become very self sufficient
* What could be improved?
  • Weekends can be VERY expensive
  • Sometimes it gets a little boring in Well, the town has only 1500 people, not much to do.
  • Help from OSA to get he best deals.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't even attempt to rely on your phone. They are shoddy at best. Get your parents to pay for international service if you can.