Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a cultural, mental and physical rebirth period July 12, 2022

By (Government, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/01/2022 to 07/28/2022 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Honors American Government: Comparative Approaches to Democracy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that balance is really key to life, and to gain perspective you have to put yourself outside of your comfort zone, no matter how scary. It was definitely worthwhile.

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

While there was definitely ups and downs, it aided in my growth and I grew to love the people I did it with.

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? It varied, in the end I spent close to 600-700 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? To budget an allotted amount of money, each week beforehand! And to plan for emergencies.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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? Duo-lingo and you get out and speak to anyone who knows the language for practice!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • The food!
  • The closeness
  • The allowance of individual decisions
* What could be improved?
  • More planning/ help getting information about each excursion ahead of time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more of what the insurance covered.

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 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.