Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a life-changing, growing experience that I will never forget! Past Review

By (Franciscan University of Steubenville) - abroad from 01/14/2012 to 05/05/2012 with

Franciscan University of Steubenville: Gaming - Austrian Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I wish I could do this every semester! Yes it was worthwhile! The short list of gains includes, huge leap in world view both politically and socially, grow as an adult and learning to work with others in inclement situations (travel), experience in being on my own and responsible for others, saw history in action/ on site.

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.

Incredible! Between living in the heart of the Austrian Alps, to free weekends to travel, to classes that were so applicable to what I was, the experience was priceless and such a blessing!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

So very, very helpful, easy to work with and so understanding and knowledgeable!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

so ideal! I felt safe and close to help if I needed it.

* Food:

It could use some work. It would be nice to have meals that I knew what the ingredients were just by looking at it. Some stuff I didn't want to touch because it looked like a mesh of leftovers

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated, Living within walking distance gave me the chance use the limited German I knew to speak with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Quickly and expertly. I almost broke an ankle and it was very easy to make it to the hospital and work with the expense.

* Safety:

Never doubted my safety and the staff prepared me well for traveling

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)

It was easy because previous students have given me ballpark figures. It was about 100 euros for travel weekends and 20-40 euros diring the week. Making a budget helped the most!!!

* 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? 3,000 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget! Staying back a few weeks saves you money for travel weekends which you will be glad you had! Staying back is one of hte best things I did and I got to see more of where I was living and I had more money to spent for travel. Make sure you set aside enough for your extended breaks!!!! You don't want to run low then!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The program was based on the Catholic faith the the school had built-in trips to major Austrian cites, Rome, Assisi. It greatly appreciate this because I would not have gone to some of hte places if it hadn't been planned for me. I am also glad that the program was build so that the students could travel a great deal! Best of all was frequent offering of the sacrements and Eucharistic adoration, and becoming friends with the professors families!
* What could be improved?
  • the food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? bring sweat pants to be comfortable in! :) I wish I had a better understanding of how much things cost where. For instance, the average cost of a hostel is 20 euro and which countries have the best currency exchange. But that's about it.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.