ASAP Asia Study Abroad Program - Life changing study abroad Past Review
By Christopher I (Finance/Entrepreneurship, University of Dayton) for
Marist College: Traveling - Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP)
I had an incredible college experience and wouldn't change a thing. But if I had to do it all over again and only keep one constant, I would choose the ASAP program. It is that good. I know all of my classmates would say the same thing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was challenging but I think that is all part of the experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Expectations were blown away. I learned so much - both from the classes and about myself. The group is very supportive and small (usually around 20-25) It is challenging and at some points I felt pressed for time. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Satisfactory |
| * Food: |
I loved the food in every country. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Riding motorbikes into the countryside in Vietnam. Climbing ruins in Angkor Wat. Tokyo lights, touring Shanghai, daily living in Bangkok...the list is endless. I took my wife (then girlfriend) back to Thailand in 2008. I'd do it again in a heart beat. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe during the trip. More safe than I feel in America. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | GO ON ASAP! I can't express enough how incredible the ASAP program is. ASAP changed my life. The trip forced me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to be a much more outgoing and engaging person. ASAP gave me confidence to succeed and take on challenging opportunities. ASAP is not a conventional study abroad program (i.e. sit in class room all day in foreign university.) You are constantly on the move, visiting foreign companies, learning from special guests. Your "classrooms" are in hotels, company offices, on buses and in parks. The program is challenging. It will force you to manage your time in order to get the most out of everything. You will be constantly learning and growing throughout the process. ASAP was a huge part in getting me an internship during college and multiple jobs after graduating. In addition to the excellent study program, you'll be traveling to and living in 7-8 countries! What other program offers that!? AND the travel is not typical 'tourist' travel. You'll be living the culture - eating where locals eat, taking transportation they take and learning from them. There is no experience like ASAP. |
