Great European immersion experience! Past Review
By A student (International Relations and Affairs., University of Rochester) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 05/19/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Belgium
I learned what it is like to both live and work in a foreign country.
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. |
Participating in the EPA Internships in Europe program in Brussels, Belgium, proved to be an extremely worthwhile experience. Living and studying in Brussels provided me with the opportunity of working at European Parliament, which granted me first-hand insight of political and social issues facing the European Union. Brussels has all the allure of a large city but in a smaller, more manageable package. The housing accommodations were superb and were located in a fantastic neighborhood. Furthermore, the central location of Belgium within Europe makes intercontinental travel both efficient and affordable. For those seeking a unique study abroad experience that allows full-fledged immersion in European day-to-day life, EPA is the program for you. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy in bulk if possible and don't eat out too much. Also, it can be worth it to travel to big-box stores (such as Ikea) to save money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Living in Europe - particularly a European city - is very different than living in the U.S., despite the fact that we are both a part of "Western" civilization. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
