Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Something I was difinitely I was not expecting!!!!(: Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/12/2018 to 06/03/2018 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Mediterranean Influences on the History and Systems in Psychology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worth it. Im thankful and I learned so much and how different people are all over the world. It was incredible to see how other people interact with each other and the way that they live. Especially as a psychology major it was cool to see.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

There was no washer and dryers and no AC, so there was many nights were we felt like we were melting. Even though we paid over four thousand dollars for all of it.

* Food:

I really enjoyed the meals and our professor took us to student dinners and they were the best. We would have to eat the appetizers and then three plates after that. It was a great and funny experiences because the waiters refused to bring the next meal if you didn't finish the first one.

* 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

I learned so much about history, culture, my own religion. I saw sightings I never thought I was able to see and I had the opportunity to travel with my best friend. It was an amazing experience and I had a great time. It was tiring but worth every penny and we even got to go to Greece and go Island hoping, it felt like we were in a movie. It was breath taking.

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)

Everything was super expensive and we basically had to buy food for lunch and dinner also if you wanted breakfast. The fee we paid didn't cover our meals, only for like two a week. It was tough but I made it through with $500 for a month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go grocery shopping the first day!! So you can pack a lunch for when you do tours and to eat breakfast. That way you can have more money for a fancy dinner and souviners

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? Beginner
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? He made us do dulingo for homework as a grade so that helped with the basics.
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? Dulingo and just make sure you know how to say, sorry, bathroom, thank you, excuse me, and train. Haha

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The food
  • The experience
  • The culture and stores
* What could be improved?
  • Could be cheaper
  • We couldve had less free days
  • Done more exciting things than art and history
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should've packed lighter and brought more money

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.