Europe: Life Changing Experience. Past Review
By Cristina B (Accounting, Miami Dade College) for
Study Abroad Programs across Europe
I def. want to learn more languages. I want to minor in International Business, which I had never thought of before and I want to leave my doors open internationally. There is a big world out there and we shouldn't just see our neighborhood. It's educational, but what is most it completely brought closure to myself. I absolutely loved it. It has given me a real motivation behind school...well that and knowledge. But this is the greatest knowledge you will ever receive....actually being out there in the world and experiencing it.
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. |
It was very instructive. I wen't for a class called "Cities of the World." It was actually for architecture. I wasn't sure what I wanted to study just yet and architecture was an option. They didn't just go into detail about the architecture, but about multiple aspects of the culture of the cities. It was a balance between education and fun. I absolutely loved it. There is no better way to experience education. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All my expectations were exceeded. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
They made sure they had options for the vegetarians in the group or people with specific allergies or other medical conditions. I wasn't a vegetarian at the moment but I know they were very careful and great about the food situation. Great food in Europe. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Well I think the best event that was arranged by the program was the visit to the Louvre and the visit to the Vatican. I mean there was alot more but those two pop out most distinctively in my mind. Most of the other things I did it was as a choice of mine on my own time. But they did schedule several things as a group. It was a balance between group events and on your own time (but always with a buddy or preferably two)...I was always just with my boyfriend but its good to have more people if your with friends. It's safer. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
They made us pay for a $40 insurance. Which is very good considering the way they drive in Europe. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live 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? | I would say don't hesitate. Try and save the money and go because you will come back a whole different person. I mean even if it's only for a couple of days which I did. That level of exposure to diversity and other cultures is absolutely essential to growth, if you have enough resources...do it! I can't even begin to explain the huge change in my boyfriend and myself when we came back. It will make you want to do everything to get back. Learn more languages and really give you more motivation to excel in school. It no longer becomes a responsibility but an ambition. |
