The most memorable summer experience. Past Review
By Ian S (Business Administration and Management, Furman University) - abroad from 07/01/2015 to 07/31/2015 with
Forum-Nexus: Ultimate Summer in Europe - 8 Cities in 1 Month
I learned how different cultures interact in today's modern society. It was absolutely worth it!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
If you take 3 courses it is intense, but possible to also enjoy the cities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Extremely helpful staff, catering to any needs upon request. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I highly enjoyed the various hotels and resorts we stayed in. Ultimate Luxury. |
| * Food: |
Unique and delicious food in each country. I suggest trying everything. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I traveled with native speakers for the most part, but when I was alone, I had no problem fitting in with the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A few students became ill on the trip, but the staff catered to their needs, and they all made a quick recovery. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe and secure the entire trip. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
My main expenses were food, and I was always able to find affordable dining. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say on average 9 dollars a meal. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you feel the need to purchase souvenirs, make sure you safe enough money to still eat! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I tried to speak Spanish as much as I could, and since both my roommates spoke Spanish with a native tongue, I was immersed in the experience. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 201 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Just start speaking it, and really listen when others are having conversations in different languages. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Its better to go with the flow, then to plan out every excursion. |
