Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pure Bliss September 24, 2024

By (CSDS, Westminster University) - abroad from 07/15/2024 to 08/10/2024 with

IPSL: Vietnam - Global Health, Environmental Science & Youth Leadership

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I made so many amazing memories and great photos. I will always wish I was still living in that blissful moment.

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.

I loved the one-on-one teaching from Phuong and Hoa, they are fabulous teachers and outside of teaching, are very good people and provide very useful advice.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The bunks were excellent and I had wonderful roommates throughout the entire time.

* Food:

The food was westernized that they provided, yet still Vietnamese which was nice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would stay forever. I felt at home honestly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a pharmacy close by which was handy when I had a runny nose.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, even walking in the streets at nighttime.

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

I loved teaching the 6-8 year-olds, they are the best and they seemed to really love my partner and I. I loved the location, the house, my friends, the staff, everything.

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)

The exchange rate was astounding. I spent about $400 throughout the whole month I was there spending my money lavishly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your birthday money and Christmas money, you'll be okay.

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

I loved trying to speak Vietnamese with the locals, more so on the streets than in restaurants, they had more patience with me and also invited their kids to speak with me to ask simple questions such as, "What is your name?" and "How old are you?"

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? lowest level... 15 hours of language course.
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 with the locals, never will they be offended, if anything, they'll be very happy and will support you and help you practice. It's so fun.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The people
  • The exchange rate
  • The adventures
* What could be improved?
  • More photos of the accommodation would've been nice before I came.
  • The communication on where I would be volunteering was wishy washy, I had one idea, then they threw me into another, then I was doing it alone, then with someone else, it was confusing.
  • Thank you!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Which volunteer position I would be working in and how badly I'd want to be back where I was.

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.