This experience has far greater meaning than you have yet come to know... BYU in Iasi Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/24/2012 to 07/23/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned to be more humble, selfless, grateful, and loving!! It was definitely worthwhile and is an experience that has changed my entire life!! I am so grateful I had the chance to go to Romania!

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:

I think it would be safer if there were boys in the group as well! Fourteen girls definitely attracted boys!

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? Yes
* 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? $85
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you keep a weekly budget! It is easy to spend a lot when abroad and exposed to so many different things!

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Romanian 100
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? Make sure you get the conjugations and past, present, and future tenses down before you come!

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?
  • Finding ways to help my children progress
  • Being a part of the Branch in the LDS church
  • Being able to grow in every area
* What could be improved?
  • More help with the language
  • Better prepare us about the local boys
  • Making sure all interns live near each other
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have studied the language more before I came because it would have helped the language barrier and I would have gotten to know people better!!