Transformative!! April 26, 2025
By Ray J (History, Syracuse University) - abroad from 09/15/2018 to 12/15/2018 with
Syracuse University: Exploring Central Europe: History, Memory, and Identity Across Borders
I visited the major democratic hubs in Central Europe and the Middle East, interacted with everyday people, and learned about what is happening there. I can now speak articulately and educatedly about this different part of the world that some companies or areas may not know as much about.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Transformative. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Juliet and Ula were attentive and caring and were available to assist in finding resources. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed at a comfortable hotel within five minutes of the town square and the light rail station. |
| * Food: |
The food in Poland was good, plus we had access to a cafeteria serving ordinary Polish food at the partner campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Taking three months off to study and immerse myself in another culture, city, and continent was utterly spectacular! The Polish I instructor was fantastic and available to talk to us every morning. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare was somewhat complicated, but local medical staff took care of my prescription. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe 99% of the time; however, there were a handful of moments of unsafety during my free time, but only when alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes. |
Finances
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* 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) |
The cost of living in Poland is inexpensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Put money aside for one personal trip to another country! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Often, you can get by using just English. Most Poles near the city center spoke English. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To be more careful |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
