One of the most amazing experiences of my life, something I will never forget! Past Review
By Jaclyn B (Biology, General., Oakland University) - abroad from 02/17/2012 to 06/21/2012 with
Jagiellonian University: Krakow - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much through this program. I learned a lot about myself, and about other European countries, their cultures and people. I made friends with students from America and other European countries. We did not just become friends we became a family and I will always cherish them. The classes I attended were very fun and informational. I cannot put into words how much this experience means to me and I would never take any of it back. Study Abroad Poland was awesome to work with. They really went out of their ways to make sure I would have the best experience. I am so thankful for Study Abroad Poland for helping make this happen and hope that other people will go through this program because I guarantee they will be happy they did.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were very interesting and diverse in information. The course load was just enough to learn a lot, but did not keep me from exploring outside the class room. The teachers were from all over the world and were some of the best I ever had. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administers of the program were extremely nice and helpful. They made scheduling my courses and helping me adjust to my new surrounding very easy. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in a dorm, which I never had before this experience. I am glad I did because most of my friends stayed there as well. It was like living in a big house with all my best buddies. |
| * Food: |
Krakow has some of the best food I have ever had. So yummy! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any issues, but some people I studied with did have to make doctor visits and they seemed to have been taken care of just fine. |
| * Safety: |
I did not have an safety issues in Krakow. If you take the same safety precautions you do at home you will not have any problems. Do not walk alone at night and be aware of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Krakow is a very affordable city for students. Food prices are affordable whether you are dining out or in. I was able to live on a very strict budget and still go out and be able to enjoy dining out and going out to cafes and pubs. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 or less |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use cash instead of cards. Only carry the amount of money you think you might need so you do not spend it on stuff you do not need. |
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 |
Of course I did not need to speak fluent polish, but it did help when going out and interacting with the locals. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I took two years of college french. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? |
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? | Nothing |
