The experience of a lifetime. Past Review
By Emilia Smith (Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 05/17/2016 to 06/07/2016 with
International Business Seminars: Summer Europe
That Europeans are extremely efficient. Definitely worth seeing how a different continent conducts business.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
Please don't book the hotel brand we stayed at in France. The rooms were outdated. Rooms either had a closet or a safe. In my case, my room did not have a closet nor a safe. I left some items behind and I knew exactly where I had left them, but the staff was extremely unhelpful and denied that my items were there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Beware the gypsies in Paris!! Always be aware of your surroundings, some friends and I were followed back to the hotel in Verona, and I experienced something that could have become extremely serious in a matter of seconds in London. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The business aspect was incredible! Also, the people and leaders were amazing and I'd be more than willing to do it again with the same group, even a new one, but our group was awesome!!! |
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) |
I think I read somewhere on the IBS website that you spend about a 100 euros a day, I think it honestly depends on each person. My parents paid for everything and told me not to worry about the money. I ended up rarely spending 100 euros a day; it was more like 50 or so. I would definitely advise that IBS emphasize to students to bring their student ID's. I received many discounted prices at museums and such, while students who didn't have their student ID's didn't. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Europe does not take America Express cards..... Stick to Visa!! I used the Venture card- it worked perfect!!! Also, bring no less than 200 Euros cash going into Europe! And if cash needs to be pulled out later, just pull out a lot... That way you only pay the hefty ATM machine fee once or twice instead of in constant small amounts. Bring student ID!!!! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
