Unbelievable, and memorable. Past Review

By rosemarie.germaine (Franciscan University of Steubenville) - abroad from 01/20/2012 to 05/04/2012 with

Franciscan University of Steubenville: Gaming - Austrian Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained experience, knowledge, appreciation for what we have here in the United States, and appreciation for what is offered abroad. It was completely worthwhile to go and put forth the expenses.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	It was the most intense experience that I have ever encountered. The classes were so in-depth, life-changing, and fruitful that it was overwhelming at times. I would recommend anyone to go and to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity with Franciscan. Experiencing the culture that is around the school and to interact with other students from other countries was amazing as well.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Loved the fact that the professors and their families interacted on campus and with all the students.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Comfortable and spacious. Hard to clean at times.
* Food:	Just wasn't used to the food there.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The Kartuasan was only a 5 minute walk to town.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	No one bothered us.
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)
* Was housing included in your program cost?	Yes
* Was food included in your program cost?	Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Get the cheapest food you can when traveling other places, splurge for food at your favorite sites, and manage your money wisely.

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?	None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Beginner
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?	get a dictionary but also just interact with others to practice the language....fastest way to learn it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm Hotel Hostel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students N/A
* 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?	Classes and students Campus Families Seeing other countries
* What could be improved?	food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That I should have broken out of my friend's circle and interacted with others. I also wish that I knew that I didn't have to bring so much toiletries with me.

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 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Philosophy of the Human Person
Course Department:	Philosophy
Instructor:	Dr. Walter
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was one of my hardest courses but one of my favorites as well. This changed how I saw things in my own life and really opened a window of curiosity to go deeper into this field. Dr. Walter is an amazing professor and very knowledgable on every aspect of philosophy. I definitely participated and worked a lot harder for this class than any class that I took on the home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues transferring these credits.

Course Name/Rating:	Foundation of Ethics
Course Department:	Philosophy
Instructor:	Dr. Walter
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was one of my hardest courses but one of my favorites as well. This changed how I saw things in my own life and really opened a window of curiosity to go deeper into this field. This class also opened up my eyes to how philosophy is much more involved in our world than we actually realize. Dr. Walter is an amazing professor and very knowledgable on every aspect of philosophy. I definitely participated and worked a lot harder for this class than any class that I took on the home institution. This was my favorite class and I am a business major.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issue transferring these credits.