Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best of 5 weeks in a carryon and a lot of hotels. Global Diplomacy Abroad Past Review

By (International Relations, Spanish, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 07/02/2013 to 08/08/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs across Europe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself that I otherwise would not have known. I learned how the world works and that although America is harped on externally and internally- it really is amazing. I wholeheartedly believe everything about the trip was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

We mostly stayed in hotels that had AC and wifi, the occasional free breakfast was always a plus as well.

* Food:

Food was solely up to us and so we got what we paid for. For the most part we got decent food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No one had any real health concerns, a few colds, but nothing worthy of hospital stay

* Safety:

Don't get comfortable. We were warned about pic-pockets in specific areas and everyone was good until the last 2 days- 2 phones and a wallet. Always be alert.

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)

I knew that we were going to expensive countries so I planned accordingly based upon places I knew had good food and places that didn't. Example- British food is nothing great so we didn't splurge and occasionally we would eat at Fast Food because we knew it would fill us up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? The average was about $250- the shorter the stay in the city the more money I spent
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You don't have to eat a fancy meal 3x a day. American fast food in Europe is 'classier' and you usually know what will fill you up. Depending on if you have a fridge where you are staying: grab a few things from the market- always cheaper, for snacks and breakfasts.

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
  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Free time
  • Different locations every week
  • Experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Minor travel details
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When in doubt bring your own bottle of water

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!