A bit pricey, but COMPLETELY worth it! Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 07/03/2016 to 08/05/2016 with

Forum-Nexus: Ultimate Summer in Europe - 7 Cities in 1 Month

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in navigating through foreign cities. And I gained some life long friends (like actually, not being sarcastic). Completely worth it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

If you pay attention and engage, you can really learn a lot of stuff (and it's all interesting, because it's relevant to where you are and what you are doing on the trip)! On the other hand, you can just show up and probably get the same grade. No stress about grades whatsoever!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotels are SWEET!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is what you make it. Don't waste your time and stay in the hotel room.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Felt 100% safe the entire trip. Be smart with your belongings and everything will be fine!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Great way to get comfortable exploring a foreign country, plus it keeps you moving so you get to experience so much.

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)

Budgeting is hard because you want to do everything! I'd highly suggest pushing your the limits of your budget on certain experiences because you may never be able to do them again! Just remember that alcohol and desert costs add up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approx 200, but it was worth it, could have done it way cheaper

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Weekend Trips
  • IQ (class)
  • Freedom to do what you wanted.
* What could be improved?
  • IQ worth more credits
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring less stuff (clothes/shoes/etc) because 1) you won't actually wear it all 2) its heavy and annoying to carry and 3) it gives you flexibility to bring more home.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.