This was the most amazing abroad program! March 17, 2026
By Rebecca L (Environmental Arts and Humanities, Creative Writing, Sewanee: The University of the South) - abroad from 09/02/2025 to 12/15/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Portugal - Sustainability and Environmental Justice
I learned so much about my self and the subject-matter, so worthwhile.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
So amazing and helpful! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were several leaks in Studentville, but the staff was so sweet and helpful. |
| * Food: |
This is not very applicable outside of the excursions, which were the only time food was provided. On said excursions, the food was extremely good and filling. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was great! I used it at least twice. |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe, especially on the metro, and in Sooners. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It was thoughtfully organized and fun. |
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) |
I think with having to provide our own food, it could definitely be pricey, but the metro was provided for us, which was very nice. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | At least $100 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think group dinners in Studentville helped a lot with the budget. Planning one person each night to cook dinner would have been a better option for my group. |
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 |
I am only docking off a point for this because Lisbon has so much English, not a fault of the program. |
| 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? | None for Portuguese |
| 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 main place to practice is in coffee shops. |
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? | 0 |
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 wish I had a picture of our housing. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
