Past Review
By kimberly s (HISTORY., Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Penn State Altoona: Traveling - Austria: Between East and West
It was very important to me. It is one thing to study about an event and place in a history class and another to actually stand where it happened. My understanding of Austrian history is far greater now.
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 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We stayed with a host family for a weekend in order to experice the culture of Austria. This was a very rewarding experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Vienna is much more safe than any large American city. I felt mor ecomfortable there then I feel in most places in America. As for health issues, we did not have any issues. I know I drank the water and I was perfectly fine. |
| 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 spent roughly 350 euros while abroad for ten days |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would highly suggest getting food frequently at the grocery store if it is possible. Go out for dinner, but try to pack a lunch. That would have saved me a lot of money. Even if it is just to get a soda; a soda cost 2 euros at the youth hostel and 0,89 euros at the grocery store. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Navigate New Frontiers |
| Course Department: | INTST497A |
| Instructor: | A. Reinig |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was far too general to be helpful. It tried to include long term trips, internships, short term trips, and trips to all countries and in all languages in one course. It would have been much more helpful to have a course with the instructor planning the short term trip than this trip. Also, the workload was intense for half a semester and a one credit course and the work did not enrich my experience at all. The course attempts to take too much on and I do not see how it oculd be helpful to any students. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
International Studies |
| Course Department: | GER099 |
| Instructor: | Dr. Lorenson |
| Instruction Language: | German and English |
| Comments: | This course took place mostly in Austria and it was very beneficial. The course helped to enhance what I was seeing and put it in Academic importance. The course work that happened once returning from Austria helped me review and reflect on my trip. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
