My favorite semester of college Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The semester was so fun, adventurous and life giving! I chose the Romania Semester because of its focus on adventure education, Eastern Orthodoxy, and full immersion into Romanian culture; my hopes for the semester were not disappointed. I met so many wonderful people through New Horizons Foundation, my host family, and my classes. I am still close friends with several of my fellow students from the semester. Through classes with Dana Bates, hikes in the Jui Valley, conversations with my host mom, and crazy cross-country adventures, I learned so many important life lessons.

On-site administration of your program

The program director and staff were inspiring and helpful. I loved the structure of the classes and the extra-curricular activities they set up. For example, one day we hiked into the mountains in the snow and had a book discussion around a fire. Another day we visited a local grade school, answered questions for a class, and then had a discussion about the Romanian education system with a few teachers. It was so informative and helpful to our IMPACT internships to see inside the school.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family experience was wonderful. My host mother was the only person in my family who spoke English, so we had some great conversations in the morning over breakfast. When we moved out of our host family's homes into our apartments, I was able to live with 3 great friends about 10 minutes away from our classroom building. It was cold at times, but it made life an adventure.

Traditional Romanian food is delicious, but fatty. Fresh food is cheap and abundant. Make sure you research and plan ahead if you have any dietary restrictions. There are a few health food stores in the Jiu Valley where gluten free alternatives can be found for a little extra money. Dairy free and vegetarian alternatives are slim.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family gave me a good insight into what life really looks like in Romania. Interning in an IMPACT club was great too.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was a very interesting experience to visit the hospital in Petrosani. The healthcare system I encountered was on a lesser level as what I have had in the US, but my complaints were addressed effectively. The staff of New Horizons Foundation was very helpful and supportive in figuring out who I needed to see when I was got sick.

I always felt safe in Lupeni during the day. At night, it's best to not go out along, just like in any city. The stray dogs make some people feel unsafe, but are usually harmless.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The per diem was ample, but I would have brought slightly more money for souvenirs and for fun finds at thrift stores.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were encouraged to get out and talk with locals in stores and IMPACT clubs. Our host families were very helpful for learning the languate.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Making friends with Romanians and the Americans in Lupeni
• Traveling around Romania for class
• The weeklong backpacking trip in the Retezat Mnts

• More time for weekend travel around Europe
• Longer internships in the IMPACT clubs
• A longer Romanian language class

The Avid Adventurer