Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Really amazing program, would highly recommend! June 17, 2025

By (Environmental Analysis, Washington University in St. Louis) - abroad from 01/28/2025 to 05/12/2025 with

SIT Study Abroad: Portugal - Sustainability and Environmental Justice

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained valuable cultural knowledge about Portuguese people and about some of the challenges the country faces, specifically because of over-tourism. I learned so much academically and personally from my peers on the program who came from all different kinds of backgrounds, and was also able to learn a lot about different topics related to urban regeneration, renewable energy, environmental justice, and sustainable tourism in the context of Portugal and the EU. I also gained really valuable experience working on my research project and will be able to talk about it job interviews and applications.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to grocery shop and cook when possible

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people- both on the program and locals
  • The city and country itself are amazing to explore and have rich culture and so much beauty
  • The experiential learning opportunities through excursions and trips
* What could be improved?
  • The structure of lectures and classes could benefit to be more standardized
  • It would be beneficial to set up expectations for the group work projects
  • The location of housing could have been closer to the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That everyone on the program is so friendly and excited to make new friends, so don't be nervous about that!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.