THEMOSTINCREDIBLEAMAZINGINSPIRINGTHINGEVER!!! BYI in Iasi Past Review
By A student (rylies, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/22/2012 to 07/24/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Romania
I learned SO much about myself, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. It was most definitely worth while! I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Mario did a great job of taking care of us and making sure that we had everything we needed. She was sarcastic and slightly condescending about us sometimes which I thought was completely uncalled for. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the new NORPO apartment and it was terrific. The best of the 3 apartments the program has right now. |
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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? |
I don't really know. I never got seek, but other girls did and the situation was handled well I think. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt in danger or threatened by the Romanian people. There was one incident while we were on a vacation that caused Nicole to overreact and lose control. She tackled a little boy to the ground and started to beat him up. It was after this that I began to feel in danger around her because I didn't know if she was going to be able to control herself in future incidents, or just make them worse. |
| 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) |
I honestly do not know. I didn't keep track of the money I was spending on food because my parents filter money into my account. I would guess that I lived on a student budget well because the conversion rate makes everything cheaper. |
| * 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? | I'm not sure. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop at the piata! Food is much better quality there and a LOT cheaper. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | FLANG100R |
| 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? | Take a longer and more comprehensive language class before going. At the time the one I took was the only one offered, but I understand they are offering higher level courses now. |
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? | Specific duties that I would have while working in the orphanage. |
