Past Review
By Jacob H (Masters of CJ, New Mexico State University) for
Inter University Centre Dubrovnik (IUC): Dubrovnik - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I found a good part of myself, a part that had been wrapped up with the 'box' mentality of Las Cruces being everything in the world. I was able to expand my horizons, and really put myself out of a comfort zone, and into a learning mentality. I was able to gather so many great pieces of knowledge, from everyday experiences, to memories that will last a life time.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Inter University Center, Dubrovnik |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, good information albeit difficult to understand a few of the foreign speakers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We had to provide our own housing. I rented a 'soba,' which is a room in a local resident's house. Prices were good, just make sure you know the location of the room. The closer to the 'Stradun' in Old Town, the better. |
| * Food: |
We had to provide our own food. Food in Dubrovnik was not bad, although somewhat expensive. Most of the food selections were directly taken from Italy, so expect pasta and Italian-style pizza. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Amazing opportunities to travel amongst the islands in the Adriatic sea, see pieces of Roman architecture, and Muslim architecture, and take in a completely different culture right at my fingertips. Dubrovnik also has a lot of information regarding the attack on the city in the early 90's during the Croatian-Serbian war. The room I stayed in still had a bit of visual damage from a mortar, but overall, the city is clean and beautiful. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was little in the way of health related facilities available but Dubrovnik has a few pharmacies in-town where you can get your basic cold/cough medicines without a prescription. The hospital was a bit away from Old Town. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Instead of using the Euro (which most places will take,) it is better to get your money exchanged into the Kuna before you land in Dubrovnik. Most exchange places had upwards to a 10% commission fee. There were many ATM machines around, but you must watch for thieves, as a few of the people in the course were almost victimized by snatch-and-go artists. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take the opportunity. Not only did I see a beautiful place, meet beautiful women (many beautiful women) and embrace an amazing culture, I made connections all over the world. Australians, Welsh, Brits, Germans, Serbians, Russians, Irish, Swedish... the list goes on and on. Take the opportunity, and really delve yourself into a traditional experience. |
