Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

journey of a lifetime Past Review

By (Naropa University) - abroad from 01/11/2015 to 06/11/2015 with

Naropa University: Bhutan Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile. I learned a lot about my own values through looking at Bhutanese values, how to create and maintain intercultural relationships, and countless things about myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Naropa classes blew my mind they were so amazing, the courses with RUB weren't as academically exciting, but easy to pass and great for making friends.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

amazing

* 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)

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

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • immersion
  • location
  • friendships made
* What could be improved?
  • preparation maybe? but part of the experience were the unexpected events that would happen as cultures clash so I'm not sure I would even say that...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the moments of culture shock that were really hard for me at first would become parts of the culture that I came to love.

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 Adventurer
The 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.