A life-changing experience I will never forget! Past Review
By Kristin S (Music Education, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/16/2016 to 06/20/2016 with
Salzburg College: Semester Study Abroad in Austria
Many new skills were gained abroad that will benefit my personal, professional, and academic aspects of life.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My study abroad classes were very beneficial to myself and my career because not only did we learn about topics in the classroom, but also experience them outside of the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration for the international dorms was very organized and helpful. I hurt my shoulder while canyoning and the dorm administration (Ulga?) was adamant about taking me into the hospital. I was very grateful she helped me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I requested to be roomed with my good friend from home, and the administration was able to set us up in a dorm room together. The administration also helped the students tremendously by giving us a "web cube" for wifi. This helped me complete assignments in my dorm and I am also so grateful we were able to have one during my stay. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food and cooks! They were very personable and cooked delicious meals! I only wish I was not told there would be no food on weekends or some lunch days (during excursions). If I knew this information, I would have easily planned my spending amount for my trip. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The international dorms were very beneficial for myself and the other American students. We were able to integrate with not only the local culture, but with students from different areas of the globe. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was taken to the ER by my dorm hostess, I just wish I would have received the bill earlier (during my stay); Because by the time I received my bill, I was home and the payment was late. |
| * Safety: |
The canyoning excursion was not explained very well, and I wish I would have known more information about it before attending. I was also unaware about the intensity of our hiking excursion. If I would have known, I would have packed real hiking boots!:) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would like to study abroad in other countries if I am able to! |
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) |
As I have reviewed previously, if I would have known I had to pay for more meals than expected, I would have planned my budget accordingly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 50 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would definitely apply for a grant before attending. Also, I would shop at the local markets because restaurants will charge a higher price due to tourists. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | N/A |
| 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? | Locals see it as respectful to learn their language, so I would recommend using it as much as possible. |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I know more about European culture, and experienced things you cannot learn from a book. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
