Finland was Fantastic; Sweden was Stupendous! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 03/11/2017 to 03/18/2017 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Education in Finland and Sweden

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that other cultures have significantly different values from Americans. This was profound when it comes to education.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Education in Finland and Sweden Photo

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.

The trip was well coordinated with the right amount of in class time to cultural exposure time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotels were excellent. Much better than I expected.

* Food:

Amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I used the pharmacy by myself, and my professor gave me medicine.

* Safety:

Stockholm did not feel quite as safe as Helsinki.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would love to go again because I would have a feel for how to do everything and get around.

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? $400.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Order soup and bread for most meals.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Seeing a school
  • Cultural time
  • Good hotels
* What could be improved?
  • See more schools
  • One more museum visit
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have learned a little Finnish and Swedish.