Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Salzburg 2015 Past Review

By (Music Education, Berea College) - abroad from 05/26/2015 to 06/29/2015 with

KIIS: Salzburg - Experience Salzburg (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that there isn't some mystical magical veil over countries abroad. It's just another place like where we live with people like us. Yes, the culture and architecture is different, but it's also much older than ours and that is where the beauty lies for me. I was very grateful for this opportunity and would love to have another someday.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was delicious, but we were not properly informed about how much food to expect as a part of the program and how much food we were expected to cover on our own.

* 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)

The suggested Berea budget for food and personal expenses were too low. This may be partially due to the fact that we were misinformed about the food provided. There were opportunities to travel on the weekends, which would fall under personal expenses, and I think the Berea budget should at least acknowledge that as an option for those who wish to do so and thus they should save a little more than suggested. I, personally, live very easily on a budget and was fortunate enough to save up for doing what I needed and some of what I wanted. However, I saw other students struggle in this area.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $250 on average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save a steady percentage of your paychecks faithfully. The money will add up faster than you think.

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? Beginner
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? I took one semester of German, 101 a year before I decided to go.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Find a practice partner, someone to hold you accountable for the time and focus devoted to practicing and someone who can converse with you in that language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city. The architecture.
  • The history.
  • The freedom.
* What could be improved?
  • The organization of events.
  • The communication of events.
  • The knowledge of the number of meals that would and would not be provided.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? They don't have ice.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.