Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/03/2014 to 07/02/2014 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have always wanted to go to Europe, so what better way of going than study abroad? Going on this trip was a really good decision. I gained a lot of experience and made tons of memories. By the end of the trip I was able to navigate through Bratislava with confidence. I definitely grew throughout the trip. Inside of the classroom, I learned in a way that couldn't have been done back at SFA. Dr. Tkacik is such a good professor and I know that I gained a connection. I am so glad that I was able to get this opportunity to go to and I will remember it forever.

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?

* 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

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for more scholarships or maybe fundraise before you go. It was very easy to spend a lot of money.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The experience of the different cultures
* What could be improved?
  • Getting more knowledge about the country and culture beforehand.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had exchanged Euros before I had left America so I wouldn't have to deal with it over there. I also should have packed better. I packed for a much colder climate, and had to buy a few shorts will I was there.

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.