Romania: An Opportunity to Understand Yourself - BYU in Iasi Past Review

By (Sociology., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 04/22/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Romania was a life changing experience. I grew to love the people, the culture, and the country. It helped me understand the effects of communism, poverty, and oppression in a way that I have never understood it before.

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 program facilitated both hands on learning and personal development. It challenged me to set goals and make plans on how to help my kids progress.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead. Try to get extended family support.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Romanian 101
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Ask questions. Take a notebook where ever you go and write down words you don't know and find out what they mean. Try and speak the language every moment possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Opportunity to be immersed in the culture
  • Working with the kids at the orphanage and hospital
  • Learning and practicing the language
* What could be improved?
  • Coordination/communication between the students and BYU
  • Less gap between intern groups
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Exact costs for fees before entering the country.