Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The adventure of a lifetime. Past Review

By (Music, 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 more about myself than anything. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

KIIS: Salzburg - Experience Salzburg (Summer) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

We stayed in a youth hostel, which is also where our classes took place. Throughout the course, there were several large groups of noisy children that came and left the hostel making it slightly difficult to utilize the hostel as a study space.

* Food:

The food was fantastic!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found myself speaking German even after returning to the US.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a strep outbreak during the course that was handled very well.

* 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)

I ended up having extra money

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $800
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You can buy souvenirs, but try to stick to buying what you need.

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? None
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? none
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? It helps to know at least the basics of the language before traveling abroad.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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

  • 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 geography of the country.
  • The culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Housing arrangements.
  • Language skills.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known to bring my own hand soap.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!