Life Changing Experience Past Review

By Bryan B (Management Information Systems, University of Dayton) for

Marist College: Traveling - Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Participating in this program was, without question, the best thing I ever did in college. It changed the way I look at everything: my family, my social circle, my military and business careers, etc. It put my entire life into perspective.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The academic experience was nothing short of amazing. The professors were challenging and engaging. Their teaching methods encouraged critical thinking and the application of learned knowledge (not just memorization) to relevant, real world examples. Looking back I realize they were the hardest, but most rewarding courses I took in university.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	My expectations were met and exceeded in every aspect of the program.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Our accommodations were amazing thanks the efforts of the organizers. While all my friends were at over priced youth hostels we were stationed at 4-star hotel in Bangkok for less than they were paying!
* Food:	The food was amazing and I acquired a new love for spicy food.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Too many to name here: Two weeks in residence at a Buddhist monastery, countless company visits, white sand beaches, amazing cultures, amazing food, great professors, challenging curriculum, etc.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	As long as you are equipped with common sense you will be fine. Every city has places that you would not go at night. I felt totally safe. Plus we were all encouraged to get International SOS insurance (which I did despite Bangkok having some of the best hospitals in the world).
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Hotel Hostel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I remember being extremely stressed about paying for this trip. I paid my entire way through school and had to take extra student loans to cover the cost of this trip. Dr. King calmly addressed my fears and helped me (1) understand the value of trip and (2) secure the financing to attend. I never regretted the additional cost I incurred. In fact, I look at it as the single most important investment I made in my education. Participating in this program was, without question, the best thing I ever did in college. It changed the way I look at everything: my family, my social circle, my military and business careers, etc. It put my entire life into perspective. I am tremendously grateful to have had this experience and I credit Dr. Wesley King as being one of the most influential people in my life. He is an amazing, challenging professor that invests a tremendous amount of his passion and personal time into this program. I whole heartedly recommend the ASAP program to any student. If you are considering the program I encourage you to take same the leap of faith I did. It will change your life. Bryan Baecker – ASAP 2004

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Organizational Behavior
Course Department:	MGT 301
Instructor:	Wesley King
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This is no easy 'A' but I have to say it was one of the best I ever took in college. Dr. King will challenge you to actually apply what you learn to actual problems. Organizational Behavior as a science has so many practical applications to your work life. Oh, and don't sell the book back! I find myself still referencing the textbook today.
Credit Transfer Issues: