Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Pleasant Trip Out of My Comfort Zone Past Review

By (Environmental Science., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/18/2014 to 05/27/2014 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Alvdalen and Stockholm - Forestry and Tourism in Sweden

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While abroad, I gained social skills in a different cultural setting. It was eye-opening to see how different, yet similar, their cultural "norms" are from those of the United States.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Decide carefully upon what you want to spend your money on. You don't want to miss out on the full experience, but you also do not want to be left short-changed in a foreign place!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Making new friends.
  • Älvdalen's clean, fresh air.
  • The country's rich cultural roots.
* What could be improved?
  • The planning of events.
  • Communication between institutions
  • The budget planning.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather in Älvdalen is Very pleasant in May. I found the sweaters and coats that took up quite a bit of space in my luggage to be of no use to me.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'