Legend-waitforit-DARY Past Review

By (HISTORY., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 06/06/2014 with

Linnaeus University: Vaxjo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met some of the greatest people from all over the world and i know have life-long friends and many many great memories that wont soon be forgotten

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.

The course setup at Linnaeus is awesome

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I heard from other internationals that the apartment i stayed at is no longer available for students and that it is now difficult for internationals to find housing in Vaxjo

* Food:

I cooked for myself and did my own grocery shopping so i guess this just says i am an awesome cook

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met so many different people and cultures. I now have many good friends all over the world I believe this was the best thing that came out of my time abroad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

i went once it was relatively easy the health care center is very close on campus.

* 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)

Sweden is a very expensive country, but if you can afford it, It is totally worth it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 Food $50 for fun stuff i.e. Stallarna
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Willy's is cheaper grocery store, get a bus card (Reskortet I think its called) $4 a ticket instead of $7.

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

Swedish is difficult and almost every one in the country can speak english

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? 101
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 good swedish friend that wants to help and teach you, if you try using bad swedish in public they will answer you in english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • intergrating of students
  • VIS
  • Sivans, Stallarna
* What could be improved?
  • Show students around campus
  • Help students with online stuff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how expensive sweden was