BEST THING YOU'LL EVER DO!!! BYU in Iasi Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 09/11/2012 to 12/01/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Romania was SO worthwhile! I learned so much from the people, especially the kids, that I worked with, and I loved being in a program that focused so much on service.

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)

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? Buy groceries with your roommates. It's cheaper (and healthier) if you plan meals and make dinners together.

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? ROM101
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • my kids
  • experiencing the culture
  • the food
* What could be improved?
  • internship prep class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the expenses I would have at the very beginning of the program. Rent turned out to be more than I was expecting, as did utilities. There was also a surprise fee for some paperwork that needed translated or something...

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

SFL 399R

Course Department: School of Family Life
Instructor: Carolyn Andrews
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

IAS 380R

Course Department: International and Area Studies
Instructor: Betty Ashbaker
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: