Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing Past Review

By (HISTORY., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 02/28/2013 to 03/09/2013 with

Presbyterian College: Faculty Led Spring Break Tour of Portugal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a true knowledge of a culture other than my own. It was most definitely a worthwhile experience. Looking back, I'm glad I can say I went abroad during my time at PC. I would regret it if I didn't.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

Our hotels were amazing. Although only one had WiFi.

* Food:

The food was incredible! If you want to eat some of the best fish in the world, go to Portugal!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Every person I talked to spoke English. It was very easy to order food and find locations.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Lisbon, Sintra, and the Azores are all very safe. Just be smart. If you want to go out late at night, do so in groups.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

I hardly spent any money. I did a little shopping and most dinners were included with the trip. I ate modest lunches. Spend like you would in the U.S., but don't be too frugal. A trip abroad could be a once in a lifetime experience so treat it like so.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I was only abroad for a week and I probably spent a little over $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you go big on lunch, eat a less expensive dinner or vice versa. Also, don't feel like you have to buy everything you see. Not bringing back souvenirs doesn't mean you didn't have a good experience. You'll have pictures to prove you were abroad and had a life changing experience.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

We were encouraged to have simply conversations with waiters/waitresses, hotel personnel, etc. However, it was very laid back because they all knew English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 201 which helped somewhat for Portugal. Portuguese is different
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Buy a guide book for your trip. Most guide books will have a dictionary with all the simple words and phrases you'll need for the native language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Sights
  • Free time
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Know the weather. Prepare for it.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.