Europe helped me appreciate the world. Europe Biology Past Review

By Gwendolyn B (Biology, Angelo State University) for

Study Abroad Programs across Europe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was worthwhile. Most kids who have already moved off to college should be already adjusted to being away from home. If you have attachment issues, prepare yourself in advance. That was one area I struggled with and wasn't prepared for.

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.	The workload began a couple months prior to the program. It was nothing overwhelming because we already had finals approaching and it was the end of the spring semester. There were two classes you had to take while on this trip and both were very lecture oriented. A couple projects such as a journal, presentation, and papers were required. There were lectures in Europe, along with fieldtrips and such. We were taught by our own professors from Angelo State University and didn't really enroll in another university in Europe, although we were housed in the dorms at the University of London.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	This was the first ever trip of this program, the professors had gone to Europe or other study abroad programs before. However, there were many unknowns, especially when we had trouble communicating or even getting around on the different transportation services. The professors seemed to be figuring things out as we went along.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	We were in dorms for the first half of the trip. They were very basic but still very accomodating. We also stayed in hotels for periods of time and small bed and breakfasts too.
* Food:	The food was fantastic because at the dorms or hotels, we were provided breakfast. Lunches and most suppers were on our own and we were able to grocery shop and go out to eat as we chose.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	We were immersed in other cultures and free to explore them as we wished. The ability to sight see and visit the countries on our own was lovely.
* 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)