Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most freeing and confidence-boosting experience I've ever had May 15, 2024

By (Computer Science, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2024 to 05/10/2024 with

National University of Singapore: Singapore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that schoolwork, although important, isn't the main determining factor of a good semester of college experience. I learned how to balance my time between personal responsibilities and things I genuinely wanted to do and experience. I feel like I learned to not take myself too seriously and live in the present.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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? No

The program and experience was amazing, but I'm satisfied with the experiences and friendships I've built during my time studying abroad. If I were to study abroad again, I would want to do it in a different country with a different program.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up a lot beforehand, since you will want to travel outside of your host country while studying abroad

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?
  • The abundance of Asian food
  • The friends, both local and fellow exchange students, I made abroad
  • The easy access to neighboring countries
* What could be improved?
  • My dorm living was okay, but I wish there were more secure options for exchange students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would've saved so much more money. Overall, my expenses are acceptable, both before and after the program, but extra savings is always nice.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.