Romania's its impact will pulse in my heart forever; I am changed. BYU in Iasi Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 07/31/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I never thought I could love as much as I have or been braver than I have had to be. I look through completely new eyes, with an open heart and a forgiving mind

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.

You will learn more than you ever thought you would and be given new eyes to perceive the world

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Remember that you are in Romania. Drinking out of the tap is a luxury only enjoyed in America

* Food:

Some food takes getting used to, but fresh fruits and vegetables are amazing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

World Health Insurance

* 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? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Romania is a fairly cheap country but buy all your foods locally if possible

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 were very encouraged to use the language whenever we could!

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? 100 level course
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? Use it will your colleagues as much as you can. Learn grammar!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Working with the orphanage children
  • Working with the children in the hospital
  • Immersing in the culture
* What could be improved?
  • Academic requirements
  • Culture Proofs were horrible
  • Financial Preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had a better understating with the academic professors for the work we needed to complete for the internship credit

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.'