Awesome beutiful ex[erience that was cut too short Past Review

By (Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/21/2012 to 11/07/2012 with

Karl-Franzens-Universitat Graz: Graz - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
About being a social person and looking out for your community. Being more open to help people and doing things because you want to, not because you feel obligated to

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

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? about 100-200 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook for yourself and make sacrifices

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400lvl german
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? watch movies, read and pick up grammar books

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Freedom
  • connections to other students
  • individuality
* What could be improved?
  • Help with finding travel
  • Help with finding local student services
  • help with insurance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? about the history of the place i was living.

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.'