Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not worth the money spent Past Review

By (University of Toledo) - abroad from 01/05/2020 to 01/11/2020 with

International Service Learning (ISL): Traveling - Service Programs in Panama

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not really worthwhile . Felt I was cheated.

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.

Poor organization for the days my daughter attended the program. First 2 days of preparation were ok but after that she was just sitting around reading. Never got to volunteer in the community as promised.

* 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?

Na

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Program did not deliver what was promised

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)

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

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? NA
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? Yes

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?
  • Some of the people were nice
* What could be improved?
  • Be specific about instruction to students and do not make up excuses for what you could not deliver to the students as promised
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That this was not a reputable program

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Teacher got tired of having the students around after the first 2 days. The organizers made excuses why the students were not doing what they were promised they would do in the program.
Credit Transfer Issues: NA
Course Name/Rating:

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: