Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing experiance!! Past Review

By (Accounting and Finance, Clarion University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 05/17/2010 to 06/12/2010 with

International Business Seminars: Summer Europe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was my first trip abroad and it, to this day, was the best travel/educational/invigorating thing I have ever done! It was the perfect way to see and learn different cultures and languages with experienced guides who gave you all the information you needed to take full advantage of the free time given! I met some of the best people that I will call friends for life, including my now husband! The program was exceptionally educational in more than one way. I was able to prove to myself independence as well as branching out to try new things! This experience opened many new doors for me professionally and personally. I have made many business contacts and now am comfortable traveling internationally. I highly recommend an IBS program to everyone and anyone slightly interested in traveling and meeting new people! I only knew one other person at the beginning of the trip but the end our whole group was a family! :-)

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.

Academically and socially very educational!

* 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?

* 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? $100 - $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of hotel breakfasts provided and take fruit for snacking latter in the day.

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

Every country visited our guides gave us key words to use and recognize.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? practice helpful phrases such as; "where is the restroom", Check please, and where am I on a map.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 travel
  • The people/social aspect
  • The practical length of time to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Advertise in schools more
  • Ask Alumni to go to universities to speak about experiances from the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is very affordable, there are options other than paying by cash.

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.