Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

When I finished the program, I sat down in my hotel room and cried. Past Review

By (Purdue University) - abroad from 07/04/2014 to 08/02/2014 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea – Historic Seaports of Western Europe ( Summer )

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not to waste the precious time that I have.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You can learn as much or as little as you'd like in the time you are given.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I was exposed to new foods both on the ship and in port. Our cook stocked up on local ingredients, and there were always fresh vegetables and fruit on the menu.

* 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? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Hardly any. You had the opportunity to go on optional trips or dine out, but they were by no means necessary expenses. Many of our meals were covered by hosts or alumni.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When selecting food or groceries, move away from main thoroughfares and towards back roads, to locations that the locals visit. Their prices are significantly more affordable.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Knowledgeable, experiences mentors.
  • Opportunities to explore independently.
  • Being on blue water!
* What could be improved?
  • Foreign language components.
  • More rigorous classwork.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should take Dramamine before setting out to sea.

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.