Pack Right and Have Fun Past Review
By Courtney F (Political Science and Government., Stephen F. Austin State University) for
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Explore Canada
I learned so much more about the structure of govt., history, and culture while studying abroad than I ever would in a classroom setting. I am more aware of North America as a whole and not just the focus on America. I wish I could have spent more time learning from the people I met and learning from a Canadian education. There were minor bumps in the road along the way but every day was a new experience that I whole-heartily loved and would do all over again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I truly loved the experience and wish I could have spent more time in the country. I am seriously considering attending Grad School in Canada based on my experience and what I learned through discussion with Canadian students as well as the cultural knowledge I have gained. Every aspect of my trip I have taken into account and how it has changed my personal perspectives. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My academic expectations were not only met but surpassed by the experience I had studying abroad. I am thankful that the program had scholarships in which I was a recipient because I would not have been able to participate otherwise. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was not very fond of the location of our first hotel while in Montreal but I did appreciate the nice living standards. If you have a hotel room with a kitchen, try to save yourself money by cooking. |
| * Food: |
I would encourage others to be considerate of the dietary issues of others while studying abroad. I have a particular diet that when choosing restaurants as a group were not applicable to my needs, which was very frustrating day after day. Anticipate spending more money on food because it will add up as well as consider cooking dinner if your living facilities accommodate such. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
After attending a graduate Public Administration class, students from my study abroad group as well as students from the University of Ottawa went out for food and drinks. I had a great time because the discussion continued and I learned more from new people that I would have never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Always be aware of your surroundings and what is going on but do not act paranoid the whole time. In America, it is assumed that pedestrians have the right of way, but other countries may not embody the same idea of safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | We were only in Canada for a week and I spent around 360 dollars between food, luggage check, and souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan ahead to spend more on food and try to keep track of your spending if you are trying to stay on budget. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
In Montreal, it was important to know at least how to ask someone if they spoke English because a good majority of people would start a conversation in French. I do not have a background in French, but I felt it was important to make some attempts in using the native language. If you attend a country that you yourself do not know the language but a friend on the trip does, stick with that friend; they will become a true asset in the most simplistic ways. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Any time you plan on going on any sort of trip, remember to pack accordingly and understand the daily activities planned for your trip. If you must dress professionally, remember to pack the shoes that go with your outfits, and if you are climbing a mountain, make sure to pack tennis shoes for the outdoors. Have fun but show respect to your host country as well as remember the trip is for educational purposes. Treat every experience like a once in a lifetime chance, so indulge in what you can in relation to food, culture, and fun. Do not just assume that because something is a souvenir that it will get past the customs agents; they will take your Mountain Dew. |
