A Treasure Past Review
By Lacey R (Environmental Studies, Naropa University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 06/12/2015 with
Naropa University: Bhutan Study Abroad Program
This program was extremely worthwhile. Impossible to put into words the growth I gained from this experience. The Bhutanese culture is strict but gentle, beautiful and rigid. The opportunity to actually slow down and be present was such a gift. The Bhutanese friends I made are among my best.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education system was hard to adjust to, however, we all ended up doing well with grades and assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Loads of rice. Chilies and cheese. Not a lot of variety. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Super friendly and welcoming culture. A little shy at first. If they offer you tea, accept. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We used the tradition medicine clinics, which were easy to find and there was hardly ever any wait. It worked like magic and it was free! |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe! |
| 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) |
Very easily! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe a couple hundred dollars throughout the entire trip. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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 |
This was not a big part of this program, mostly because Bhutanese people speak a lot of English. However, if this is a large interest for a student then it wouldn't be hard to incorporate it more. |
| 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 in Dzongkah |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
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? |
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? | It is nearly impossible to find the LGBT*QIAP community. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
