Unforgettable Experience. Past Review
By Perry C (Psychology, University of Cincinnati) - abroad from 08/15/2014 to 05/31/2015 with
Hostelling International: IOU Respect Summer Program
Being apart of IOU Respect provided me a platform for personal growth, and learning about new cultures. Through this experience I gained insight into the various perspectives of youth my age from around the world. IOU Respect fostered a healthy sense of wonder for cultures other than my own, and a more culturally sensitive perspective. This opportunity was unique in that it took our natural curiosities beyond the classroom—allowing us to explore the differences between people and expound upon our similarities in an attempt to augment camaraderie, understanding, and tolerance. The IOU Respect program was a salient experience that taught me to remain fluid, and open-minded when approaching and learning about new cultures. I will forever carry with me the lessons I learned, the experiences I had, and the life-long friendships that developed. My take away message from the IOU respect program would be that, as world citizens, we should embrace diversity and see differences as unique contributions to our eclectic world.
Review Photos
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. |
|
|
* 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? |
Being apart of IOU Respect provided me a platform for personal growth, and learning about new cultures. Through this experience I gained insight into the various perspectives of youth my age from around the world. IOU Respect fostered a healthy sense of wonder for cultures other than my own, and a more culturally sensitive perspective. This opportunity was unique in that it took our natural curiosities beyond the classroom—allowing us to explore the differences between people and expound upon our similarities in an attempt to augment camaraderie, understanding, and tolerance. The IOU Respect program was a salient experience that taught me to remain fluid, and open-minded when approaching and learning about new cultures. I will forever carry with me the lessons I learned, the experiences I had, and the life-long friendships that developed. My take away message from the IOU respect program would be that, as world citizens, we should embrace diversity and see differences as unique contributions to our eclectic world. |
|
* 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Prioritize what is important to you. Saving for a trip that is in the future can be hard. Make sure to put a little away every week until you have enough saved up. |
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? | Beginner |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is possible to communicate and make a connection without knowing the language. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
