Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved every minute I spent serving in the Romanian Orphanages - BYU in Iasi Past Review

By (Nursing., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/23/2012 to 07/23/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the most incredible experience of my entire life. I was able to spend every day with disabled children in an orphanage. Every day, I was able to be around these perfect, sweet spirits. I loved learning the language, traveling all throughout Romania, and experiencing the culture within Romania. But mostly, I just fell in love with my kids.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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? 25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out too much :)

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? None
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 Language Survival Level
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? Study before you go out there, and talk to lots of people on the internship so that you can practice.

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?
  • The children I worked with in the orphanage and hospital. They changed my life!
  • The children
  • The children :)
* What could be improved?
  • Not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think it is best if you just figure everything out once you are out there :)