Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye opening experience to northwest Montana. Past Review

By (Iowa State University) - abroad from 09/02/0002 to 11/02/0002 with

Swan Valley Connections: Landscape and Livelihood

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned all about community and about biodiversity in the north western Montana mountains. I learned what it takes for people to live and work in an amazing place. It was very worth while a day doesn't go by where I don't miss it.

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

I fell in love with the mountains. If I could go back I wouldn't ever be leaving.

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? $20 or less travel to and from cost the most.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get the scholarship if you qualify.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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 people
  • The learning environment
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't know what to expect but I loved every minute of this experience.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.