The most rewarding and extensive study abroad program available. Past Review
By Doug P (Spanish, MIS, University of Dayton) for
Marist College: Traveling - Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP)
I will never experience anything more culturally diverse in that short of time. I have a much greater understanding of people outside the U.S., and have gained skills and knowledge not able to be taught in the classroom.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | I graduated in May 2010. |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was a teaching assistant for ASAP 2010. I conducted classes, proctored exams, and graded. The classes a student takes on ASAP are not conducted in the traditional manner. First, there are no designated classrooms. Classes are conducted any place that has enough room to meet: hotel lobbies, hotel rooms, airports, and any open gather space. The workload is significant. Professors will not check up on a student to make sure he/she is keeping up. It is the student's responsibility to be prepared for class: reading materials, exercises, etc. Students also need to learn how to budget one's time accordingly. At times the program is only in a country for 4-5 days; therefore in order to experience the new culture, the student needs to make time for their classroom work. Failing behind is not an option. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
N/a |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Food is not lacking in Asia. With that said, a student may not like the look of the food available, however food is always available. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden Palace, Mount Everest, The Temples at Ankor Wat, Potala Palace (Tibet), Johkang Temple (Tibet), dozens of Buddhist temples, and the list goes on. The trip visits 7 countries (not including Tibet and Hong Kong) in 3 months. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Be careful drinking tap water. I would recommend always drinkings bottled water. If the student makes intelligent choices they will not have any safety concerns. |
| 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? | Try something your friends haven't done. |
