Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

If you have the means to study abroad, do it! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/12/2017 to 05/21/2017 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Business and Culture: Where East meets West

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile! Not only do you learn so much about the culture, but you learn so many things about yourself that you didn't even know existed!

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.

The class work prior to the trip was a great beginning into understanding the culture we would soon be immersing with. I felt that the courseload was reasonable and efficient for this course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The entire program went very smoothly and was organized in a manner that allow the students to focus on the learning aspects and the cultural immersion.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had great hotel rooms in an excellent location! This allowed us to explore the city from a very central location.

* Food:

Definitely a very different style of cuisine, but I enjoyed experiencing the norms of what Hong Kong locals eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Extremely! The whole trip we had the opportunity to truly expecting the life of a locals. I definitely took advantage of the time we had to be involved with the active lifestyle of Hong Kong.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were very well informed prior and during the trip about any potential dangers and what to be cautious of.

* Safety:

Very safe city and I was never in a situation that I felt would be dangerous.

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)

It was simple, aside from worrying about housing costs, the cost of food and basic transportation were very minimal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring more than you think you'll need. Not because it'll be expensive, but because you're going to want to live like you'll never be back again! Bringing extra money will allow you to afford the experience you hope to have! You don't have to spend it all, and I encourage you to live modestly and get a fell for how the locals do it first; however, when you've found that big expense, you'll be able to afford it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • People
  • Culture
  • Experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I fully believe in experiencing things with a clear mind and fresh eyes without any outside opinions, so I feel that we were given an ample amount of information prior to our trip.

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.