So Many Experiences in so Little Time! Past Review
By Melissa Scheve (Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 12/26/2018 to 01/05/2019 with
International Business Seminars: Winter MBA Europe
I learned in depth knowledge on a plethora of subjects I may not have researched had I been on my own. meeting so many new people and exploring all of these new places with them was an unforgettable experience for me and I can't wait to do it again! I learned I can hold my own in a foreign place and with confidence too!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The presentations set up with professionals and executives of companies alike were so informative and engaging that it truly helped me focus on and understand the material on a deeper level. All presentations and seminars had ample discussion time and so it was fabulous being able to hear and learn new perspectives from not only my peers and group leaders, but from those in this new country I was visiting as well! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our liaisons at the destination cities were more than helpful and made sure we were as comfortable and safe as possible! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hotels chosen for our stay were higher than any standard I had previously set! Comfortable, clean, great amenities, incredible location, and prompt staff! |
| * Food: |
There were so many fun and affordable places to dine at whether right next to the hotels or across town there were always a ton of options for anyone's craving! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A new country is always nerve wracking, but with International Business Seminars they really set the tone for a professional, yet welcoming environment that provided the students with a level of confidence allowing us for ease of acclimation. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally had no medical setbacks while on the trip, but we were enrolled in a basic insurance plan that would have covered a common cold to other medical emergencies. All group leaders were prepared with knowledge on protocols during emergencies which put my mind at ease! |
| * Safety: |
I have to be honest that not one point in time on my two weeks of traveling to these new countries and areas did I ever feel unsafe. International Business Seminars provides ample information on safety tips and advice was move than enough to prepare me for any basic crime and even in natural disasters. There is a clear emergency plan laid out in our welcome package that explains who to find, where to go, and what to do! Also, there are usually a ton of students you are traveling with over there so you almost always are in a safe sized group! Safety in numbers and knowledge! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would choose a longer program! I can't believe how sad I was when I came home! I will certainly go out of my way to make the longer trip work! |
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) |
There are truly so many scholarship opportunities, personal fundraising events, and student loans (last resort) that are available and accessible that money truly should be on the bottom of the worry list! Especially if you plan for this trip over several months (sometimes that isn't possible I understand) then you will surely be sitting pretty come time for the trip! If you ask me the value you get out of this study abroad experience with this group I assure you will feel like the benefits far outweigh any cost incurred. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Over 11 days I spent (frugally) around $500-$700 on food and personals. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Once you have decided to go on this amazing trip, ask yourself over the months and weeks before the trip," would I rather spend this money here or abroad?" and I have a feeling your answer will almost always be to save it for the trip! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
In my trip we ended in Paris, so were certainly encouraged to learn the basics of the language, but were not tested on it. I went out of my way to learn a good bit just so I would be able to chat with locals and get around the city! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Beginner Spanish in high school |
| 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? | Find free apps that turn language learning into a game like Duolingo or Babbel! I also watched Youtube videos on basic grammar lessons. |
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? | 0 |
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? | You will not need to pack nearly as much as you thought and you WILL find someone who wants to explore the same places you want to explore! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
