Europe and the Islamic World: A Course in Global Citizenship Past Review
By A student (French, Mills College) - abroad from 12/27/2016 to 01/15/2017 with
Institute for American Universities (IAU): January Term Traveling Seminars
While I had previously studied the relationship between France and Spain and the Islamic World (i.e., North Africa and the Middle East), it was through this trip that I was able to witness the direct impact of these histories – whether on the physical cityscape or the national culture. I feel incredibly blessed that our group was able to engage with these concepts through the guidance of IAU's knowledgeable, thoughtful faculty – and I am also grateful to have had the time to explore cities AND ideas on our own terms.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I am definitely glad I did all of the reading before heading abroad – this was a rigorous course in academic and emotional terms. I would have loved more informal debates/discussions rather than pure lecture. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very few issues with living arrangements besides spotty Wi-Fi in Aix and Rabat. The program is quick to address any concerns you may have about room assignments, roommates, etc. |
| * Food: |
Every single meal was excellent, especially in Spain. Food can be pricey (plan to spend $20+ in Spain and France), but a good steak frites & crème brûlée is worth the splurge. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I definitely felt more integrated when we had free time, particularly when we were in Paris and Aix. I would have loved to attend more cultural events – the flamenco show in Granada was one of the biggest highlights of the trip. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I fell ill several times while abroad; IAU administrators were quick to make sure I was medicated and recovering. |
| * Safety: |
Other than a minor hiccup in Marrakech, I felt extremely safe. Administration is quick to ensure that all students are protected throughout the trip. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This course manages to relay 1000+ years of international history in 3 weeks *and* across four different countries (including Gibraltar). I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit these countries and engage with their legacies – whether historical, religious, cultural or artistic. I'd love to see how the program changes in the next few years, given our global political environment (e.g., trends of migration/asylum seeking from the Middle East, the rise of Islamophobia in the European world, etc.) |
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) |
Meals and gifts definitely add up! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $175 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Pack snacks from breakfast and check out the bargains at the supermarkets in Europe. |
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 |
Unfortunately there was not enough enrollment from language students for a separate course in French or Spanish. However, professors were more than glad to converse with students in the language of their choice. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced French grammar and literature courses; Intermediate Spanish 4 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Do not be shy! Use your language skills whenever you can while shopping, sight-seeing, etc. The locals will definitely appreciate the effort. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | I wish I knew how strong and capable I could actually be! I was a little hesitant to jump into certain experiences, but feel more confident than ever regarding my ability to adapt to new situations (especially at the airport!) |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
