Life Changing and eye-opening. BYU in Iasi Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 07/25/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! Life perspective/patience/love/cultural experience/cultural appreciation/language practice

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We have several essays we have to write and we are constantly working on them throughout the internship.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Mario was so helpful and did so much for us throughout the program. I love her!!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not as high of living standards I am used to in Provo, but good location. I wish we had a water purifier though. That would be convenient and helpful. .

* Food:

The grocery store nearby was huge and had most things we needed. We tried a lot of new food and enjoyed most of it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were living in the culture, so we are very exposed and I feel more integrated now than I did at the beginning.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have an experience where I needed healthcare, but if I did, I don't think I would feel very comfortable seeking it out. Mario, our in country facilitator, I know would help to ensure our safety and comfort.

* Safety:

I felt safe despite the theft and poverty we are around. I was given good information as preparation to get me ready for the conditions.

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

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

We used it all the daily on a daily and hourly basis

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? FLANG 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? Keep practicing/learn new words/study the grammar and conjugating

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Being with natives
  • Improving the language
  • Seeing the kids everyday!
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • The living arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a