Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was so good, I'm going back after I graduate! Past Review

By (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 08/23/2017 to 12/11/2017 with

Loyola University Chicago: Ho Chi Minh City - Study Abroad Vietnam Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about cultural immersion and how to properly research in other countries. The connections with the locals will still have the most lasting impact above everything else.

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:

* 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? Maybe $50 at most
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's easy not to spend big in Vietnam. Just take out money once a week and stick to it.

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? High School spanish
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? They will teach you once you get there.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I studied with
  • The easy access to food
  • Lower prices equals more to do
* What could be improved?
  • They could communicate better with their home office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. Allow yourself to become one with the culture. Just be ready to be stared at!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.