Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

THEMOSTINCREDIBLEAMAZINGINSPIRINGTHINGEVER!!! BYI in Iasi Past Review

By (rylies, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/22/2012 to 07/24/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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.

* 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.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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)

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

* 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. Hands down.
  • Being able to play such a large roll in the branch.
  • Getting to know girls that I would have not acssociated with otherwise.
* What could be improved?
  • Have internet in each apartment so working on homework is easier.
* 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.