Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Change Planes, Change Outlook Past Review

By (Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 05/17/2016 to 06/07/2016 with

International Business Seminars: Summer Europe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the value of presenting yourself professionally and networking. I also learned the importance of respecting the cultures of other countries and adapting. My experience was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned the value of presenting myself professionally and networking. I also learned the importance of respecting the cultures of other countries and adapting. My experience was definitely worthwhile.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IBS was great at bringing the students around and introducing us to the business heads. You can tell that the program is respected abroad and has a good rapport.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels were wonderful, business hotels. I had stayed in Europe before but these hotels were for more apt to a business study abroad.

* Food:

European cuisine is great. I tried all kinds of foods and 95% of them delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Learning a few phrases in the host country's language is a must for the locals to take to you. Be polite! Experience and enjoy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an issue with a finger infection at the beginning of the trip. I walked across the street from the hotel to the pharmacy, a pharmacist looked at my finger and sold me medicated cream (Five euros) that cleared up my problem in 3 days.

* Safety:

I felt safe but I was very aware of my surroundings and the people near me.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

IBS is professional and has high standards with great connections. They are definitely great for studying abroad.

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? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are going to visit museums buy tickets online and maybe in bulk to save money. I did for the London Eye and Dungeon.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • People
  • Host Cities
  • Company Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Stays in Cities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about what to do in off days in certain cities like Verona.

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.