Past Review
By Lisa K (Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Penn State Altoona: Traveling - Alaska and the Yukon
I would not exchange my study abroad experience for anything. Even though I spent way more money than planned, I had a great tine. The professors who ran the course were very helpful during our trip. They combined the right amount of professionalism and being our friend. From the planned activities we had, I have widened my uderstanding of Native culture, and the policies that affect their lives. I have a deeper respect for them as well.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program combined the right amount of academics and fun. We have a video journal to do, was encourgaed to write a personal journal, and have to do a five page paper when we got back. The paper brought together what we learned about on your trip, specifically polocies towards Natives in the Yukon and Alaska. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I enjoyed meeting with the different Native leaders, and that was great. But we had many changes during our trip, so we kind of just had to go with the flow. We had to buy another air place ticket unexpectedly, so that put an un-imbursable whole in the student's wallets. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was not crowded. We had two-three people per room, and it worked out perfectly. |
| * Food: |
The food was awesome, but the prices were so expensive. If I was to go on this trip again, I would not have brought more money. Each meal was between $15-25 on average, and that is just a soup and salad at $15 dollars! But we did eat at a lot of great local places. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going with my group to explore the towns was awesome.We all got really close and enjoyed the trip together. I also enjoyed the museums that were not required for our trip. Those were really nice activities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The cities were safe, except for Whitehorse a bit. My advice is to not walk alone for even with another girl (if you are female) after dark. There are drunk natives walking around, and will sometimes say things to you. Don't be fooled by the light at eleven pm either. Just because it is still a little light out does nto mean it is safe at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I kept a log of everything I bought from the day I got there to the day I left, and on average I was spending between $150-250 per week. Each meal was average on $15-20 dollars, and I did not eat breakfast out. I bought souvenirs, but they were not too expensive. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Before I left on the trip, I averaged out $10 per meal. I was in for a big suprise! I had to cut out breakfast just to make my money go farther. With the expenses of activities such as kayaking that added more money to the trip, I had to closely watch my funds. I recommened bring more that you first estimate. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Where we traveled to, there was no way we could learn all the different Native languages! But it was fun hearing them speak in their Native tounge. They only spoke like that when introducing themselves, otherwise we all used English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring more money than you plan on bringing. Keep a daily budget and try to stick with it. Roll with the punches, and go with the flow. Unexpected thigns happen, and you have to be flexible, and try avoid complaining. It will get you nowhere, but being by yourself. Get to know your classmates who are with you, and connect with them on Facebook so yall can continue to talk after. |
