I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/04/2012 with

National Student Exchange: Tuscaloosa - University of Alabama

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So worthwhile, I learned how independent I am.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Confusing and difficult with payments through UA and ISU actually told me I was no longer a student which made signing up for classes for fall 2012 hard.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

no veggies or fruits that were not fried

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

loved it

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 5-20 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Choose a program where housing and food is included so you only need 'fun' money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Leaving ISU
  • Warm Weather
  • New friends, travel opportunities, new food, new culture
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between schools
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Clothing styles.