A mind-opening program to learn about business and culture Past Review
By Victoria May (Messiah College) - abroad from 05/22/2019 to 08/01/2019 with
Messiah University: International Business Institute, Worldwide Summer Program
I learned that people aren't different from one another and there is always a problem in places where we think the grass is always greener. Cultures are rich and experiencing so many gives you a global perspective and helps you rid yourself of the ethnocentric view that your country is the best. 100% worthwhile, and i would do it again in a heartbeat.
Review Photos
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. |
Courses are challenging and require focus while taking advantage of your location to relate class material to what you experience in each country. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall, each country's program was satisfactory, and a few went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and help us really learn about the culture, history, and economies of their country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
In Europe the living arrangements were often tight, but this allowed for students to get to know one another. In Asia, the living arrangements were often the best available and very comfortable. |
| * Food: |
All the food was amazing, you just need to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
With such short stays, it was hard to adapt to the culture and not make cultural mistakes. In Europe it was much easier to relate to the Europeans, whereas in Asia you always feel like a tourist. It was an amazing learning opportunity though and I really enjoyed experiencing so many new places and people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Vaccines and medication were taken care of ahead of time, and while there were many illnesses on the trip, all were handled quickly and effectively by local health professionals. |
| * Safety: |
Every city is safe, just heed the warnings of the program instructors/leaders. Stay aware of your surroundings and belongings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
There is no other place where you can experience 13 different countries all over the world in one summer. You earn 12 credits from taking 4 classes, you make amazing business connections, and lifelong friends. |
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) |
It depended on the exchange rate, but often our food stipends for free meals would cover not just food but also souvenirs. (keep in mind i am a rather short girl, so i did not eat as much as some of the more athletic or taller students). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | While items might seem appealing in the moment, imagine yourself with them at home, actually using them. If you cant imagine this happening often, steer clear of that purchase. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | bring a portable clothesline, wrinkle spray, and be prepared to get yourself into situations that push you outside of your comfort zone! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
