Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A True Learning Experience Past Review

By (University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

Nova Scotia Exchange: Nova Scotia - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile, I learned a lot of history and was surrounded by the historic sites I was learning about. I was interested in the culture and got to experience more city life. This was my second time abroad, I absolutely loved my first program (UEA, Norwich, UK) and I miss it every day even 2 years later, Canada was a bit lackluster in comparison but it had some great moments. I learned that even though I am obsessed with traveling, it does not mean that I am going to absolutely love everywhere I go, and I think that was an important lesson.

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

The University itself was very unorganized, but the International Office was great.

* 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?

The healthcare was pretty easy to access, there is a health center on campus, however there isn't a full time doctor so anything major will have to be done off campus.

* 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)

Canada is expensive, especially Halifa (15% sales tax).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100 a week, and that was being thrifty ( I rarely got to spend money on other things)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your money for little trips by not partying, that will also help you focus on school as well. Have fun, but remember you are there to experience culture and see things you cannot at home, drinking isn't everything even though that is what most of the other students do on the weekends.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 Location
  • The other international students
* What could be improved?
  • MSVU's Student Services Office could be a lot more organized.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the professors. There was one that I had for two classes and he was retiring because he was becoming forgetful, which isn't his fault, but two of my classes were almost a waste of my time and money and I could have learned more if I had been able to choose other classes had I known what would happen.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!