My Favorite Memories Abroad- A Semester in Bulgaria Past Review

By Taylor L (Interpersonal Communications, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

ISEP Exchange: Blagoevgrad - Exchange Program at American University in Bulgaria

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes it was. I loved it so much. I am so jealous of all the students who stayed a year at AUBG. It was such a great experience. I learned so much about the country, culture, and my self while aborad

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	My overall experience was a great one. I loved my time abroad. Of course things are going to be different but thats understandable and was not a problem at all. Since I am so far in my major here at UWL it was hard to find classes that would transfer back so I ended up taking a really light work load compared to normal, but that was okay because it gave me more a chance to learn about the culture. AUBG is designed to be like the universities in America, so there was a very similar grading system and educational system. I really liked the diversity at the school and how open and welcoming everyone was. I could join any club there that I wanted, and there were so many to choose from. The school always had something going on for students which was really nice.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I really liked the program and loved my time abroad. I do wish there were more school trips that were lead because it was sometimes difficult figuring it out on our own. I really liked how small the school was and how well you knew everyone and had a connection with professors and faculty.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I had a really bad roommate- she was unfriendly and didn't seem like she was too happy about life at all, but I was out most of the time with friends so I got over it. I did feel really safe and comfortable- no problems there. I didn't want to buy a bunch a stuff because I didn't want to take it back home with me or waste it so I made do with what I had. I liked the three dorms. They were a lot of fun and I really liked how everyone was there together.
* Food:	I really liked the food but it would be nice if food was given out of the kitchen warm so everything didn't need to be heated up in the microwave.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I made so many great friends and we traveled a lot together. I was also in a few clubs and we went to all the events the school was having. I had a great time in the country and learning about the culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I did't have any issues with either of these.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Friends Everything in a nut shell Opportunities
* What could be improved?	We as US students paid a lot more for the semester then the full time students, a lot more. More class options More travel programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I loved every minute of being abroad and really wish I could have been there longer. So for students thinking about going abroad- DO IT. this is probably one of the best times you will have in your life. Another thing- just be open and flexible for whatever comes your way. I went in with no expectations and was able to live my life to the fullest doing everything and anything I wanted.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Ethnicity and Culture Conflict
Course Department:	ANT 237
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I really liked some of the information we covered in this class. I participated in this as much as I do in home, which is quite a lot. I had a lot of friends in the class, so I really enjoyed it a lot
Credit Transfer Issues:	For this course no because I made sure it would transfer and worked with the department heads back home to make sure I got my credit

Course Name/Rating:	Genre and Tpical Studies: Satire
Course Department:	ENG 370
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	ENglish
Comments:	We read really interesting novels in this class and had a very interesting and informative discussion. I really liked this english literature class.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Communication Media and Society
Course Department:	JMC 141
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Much of the course was information I already learned. It was kinda difficult for me to be in this course because it is the basic freshman course and I am past that at my university, but it was a general education credit for all the other communication and journalism classes. There were a lot of really interesting ones that I wish I could have taken
Credit Transfer Issues: