Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventurous, Interesting, & Educational Past Review

By (International Business., University of the Incarnate Word) - abroad from 06/26/2014 to 08/01/2014 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that its not the same everywhere. It broadened my horizon overall. You learn how differently people live compared to how you do back home. You also learn to appreciate the little things that you don't pay attention to at home. It was definitely worthwhile!

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.

* 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)

You really have to know how to budget, if eating out is all you do, most of your money will go to that. Know what is important and what you are willing to spend money on

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100; that is a bit much but its a safe number, you shouldn't go over that
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You really have to look at what you plan to do on your stay and where you want to go. Be willing to compromise on what you are willing to give up for those things you really need, or want to do.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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 able to travel while I studeied.
  • Getting to see how a different culture lived
* What could be improved?
  • Organization thoughout the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there is anything that I could have really known coming into this program that would have changed actually being here. As a group we talked to previous students who had been here and we were told many things, there is nothing really that can truly prepare you 100% for what you're going into. You just have to show up with an open mind that anything can happen and not everything is that same as back home.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!