Best summer of my life! Past Review
By Mariah M (Brain & Cognitive Science, University of Rochester) - abroad from 05/15/2012 to 07/15/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Belgium
The experience was extremely worthwile. I learned what it is like to live abroad, share an apartment with others, experience daily office work, and be a real adult.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had an excellent time in Brussels! Brussels is a city full of life, culture and fun. Having the opportunity to live and work in Brussels, as a local, was without a doubt, the best summer of my life! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My program administrator was great! She provided answers to all of my questions, recommended cool places in Brussels, and was my mother-away-from-home |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in an upscale area, 1 block away from the most popular square in town. |
| * Food: |
Loved it! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I ended up meeting a group of locals who became my good friends. We hung out every weekend and we still keep in contact. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not run into any health related issue. |
| * Safety: |
I didn't run into any safety issues. My tips are: don't talk to creepy strangers, and be aware of pick-pockets (I did not get pick-pocked at any point). |
| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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 was advised to only bring cash. So I did. This is bad advice considering exchange rates. Bring some money on credit cards. |
