Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Welcome to the real world Past Review

By (Political Science and Government, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna - Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had the opportunity to work with some NGOs and governmental organisms, which I could never have had back here.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

While the academics were not as challenging as I had hoped, the SIT Balkans staff really outdid themselves in providing opportunities to network with local NGOs, politicians, etc.

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? Approximately $50

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? Intermediate
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? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Find a job, volunteer somewhere, meet local friends and don't be afraid to try. It may feel embarrassing but no one cares.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Networking opportunities
  • Independent Study Project
  • Homestay
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor
  • Increased independence in ISP
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the Independent Study Project is not so independent, and that one is required to do qualitative research based on random interviews as opposed to any form of quantitative research.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Research Methods and Ethics
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Dr. Orli Fridman and Mirjana Kosic
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Peace and Conflict Studies in the Balkans
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Orli Fridman
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Serbian I
Course Department: Serbian Language
Instructor: Milica
Instruction Language: Serbian
Comments: Targets students who want to learn the basics, but apart from that, it will be on you to learn extra.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Independent Study Project
Course Department: Interdepartmental
Instructor: Dr. Orli Fridman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: There was very little 'independence' in the independent study project.
Credit Transfer Issues: