Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Trip, Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (Environmental Science., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/11/2013 to 05/24/2013 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Jaguar Conservation, Argentina / Brazil

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While I have traveled internationally with my family, it was a completely new experience adding the educational component. It was still a vacation but I gained a new understanding of where I traveled that opened my eyes to how other people live outside the US. I would love to go back, but I am also looking into other study abroad programs.

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

We were safely transported to were we needed to be and everyone went out of there way to make sure we were comfortable and understood what was being taught. The tour guide in Rio was incredible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All of the hotels were comfortable but the last hotel, Jasy, was a wonderful experience in itself.

* Food:

While there was some adventure in the food department, I was almost always pleased with my meals. For the most part there was always options for those who wanted something familiar.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At times there was a definite language barrier (especially when we were on our own) but we were always able to communicate eventually.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was not any health problems.

* Safety:

There was not any point when I did not feel safe.

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)

Prices varied depending on where we were staying.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 - $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When you have an opportunity to exchange money with the professor's around take it. Wait to buy "trinkets" for when you visit the Guaranui village. Don't pass up something you really want because you may not go back, but remember pictures can be just a valuable as souvenirs at preserving memories.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My traveling party (professors and classmates)
  • Trip to the Guarani Village
  • "Party" with the college students in Eldorado and Trip to Alto Parana
* What could be improved?
  • In Rio, the decisions on resturants could have been smoother
  • More empahsis on exchanging money with professor's assistance
  • On our free day, I would have liked to truely chosen what I wanted to do.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I had ventured out more and tried to communicate more when we were with the students and guides.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.