Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful trip were the people were nice and I never went hungry! Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 05/13/2012 to 06/16/2012 with

Salzburg College: Semester Study Abroad in Austria

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to travel on my own and to adapt to a totally new culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 200

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? Four years of french in high school
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The Austrian don't expect Americans to speak german so if you try they will be more willing to help you and friendlier.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The school where we studied was a total study abroad school, which helped with the language barrier.
  • Salzburg is a very safe and walkable city. I never felt that I was in any real danger.
  • The School provided so many different excursion that we really got a very good tour of the city in five weeks.
* What could be improved?
  • Getting more information from the school administration before actually going, so I would know what classes I would be taking.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? About the weather changes and to pack accordingly