Ana amazing experience! Past Review

By (Naropa University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 06/13/2015 with

Naropa University: Bhutan Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was part of the pilot trip for this study abroad program and it was an incredible experience. As to be expected with any pilot program, there were some minor hiccups, but I have faith that everything will be ironed out by the next year. Even being the pilot year for the program, it was an unforgettable and amazing experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be put out of their comfort zone and live in complete immersion in Bhutanese culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was part of the pilot trip for this study abroad program and it was an incredible experience. As to be expected with any pilot program, there were some minor hiccups, but I have faith that everything will be ironed out by the next year. Even being the pilot year for the program, it was an unforgettable and amazing experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be put out of their comfort zone and live in complete immersion in Bhutanese culture.

* 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)

A generous stipend is built into the program fee. I spent about $400 of my own money on gifts and travel the whole time there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $0.00

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? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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
  • The food
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • A little more organization (to be expected during the pilot program)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you will eat a LOT of rice!