Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (Emporia State University) - abroad from 08/14/2009 to 01/08/2010 with

ISEP Exchange: Nijmegen - Exchange Program at Radboud University Nijmegen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What I learned most came from outside of the classroom. I was one of only about 12 other Americans at Radboud, which made the experience that much more valuable. Having never really seen the world from a different point of view than that of the average American, my experience opened up my view of the world like nothing else could have. It changed me for the better, forced me to get outside of my comfort zone, and helped me form lasting memories that I'll never forget.

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.

* 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?

* Safety:

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

ISEP was great. Everything seemed organized and my experience was unlike anything I expected.

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)

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? If you're looking for opportunities to travel outside of your host city (which you should!), take advantage of student discounts for train passes. Also regularly monitor the RyanAir website for extremely cheap flights anywhere in Europe.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Location
  • English Speaking
* What could be improved?
  • Better ongoing relationships between university and student post-program
  • Better financial preparation prior
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of every waking moment to experience new things, talk to new people, and go new places. Seek out opportunities to get out of your comfort zone. You won't regret it. And don't let homesickness tempt you to cut your trip short. Savor every moment and don't rush the experience.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'