Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Nursing., University of South Dakota) for

National Student Exchange: San Bernardino - California State University, San Bernardino

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot, so I would still do it again, I would just pick another school that I would have had a better time at. Studying somewhere else was worthwhile though. It gave me a chance to try to meet new and different people.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was not impressed with the school and much of the faculty. I had 2 or 3 professors who taught fairly well, but others were awful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Theron Pace was the most helpful person I could have asked for to help me with the experience. Therefore, I really believe in the program. I just did not like the school or area I chose to attend school at for the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had a pool right outside and were fairly close to campus and all our classes.

* Food:

The cafeteria at CSUSB is expensive and not worth going to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Nobody leaves their rooms. The social aspect was awful and I missed USD greatly because of this.

* 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? No

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

Language acquisition improvement?

Theron Pace gave an excellent National Student Exchange orientation. Other than his help, the school didn't do much.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's an awesome program, but study up on where you're going. I went to California thinking "beach." It was far too expensive to live there when you're used to South Dakota, and driving all the way to the beach was not economically possible that much. Look at every aspect of where you're going.