Life Changing! Past Review
By Sydney B (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 05/19/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
Texas Lutheran University (TLU): Traveling - Natural Science Mission Trip
I learned so much. I learned to be a peace and that life can be so simple and enjoyable. I saw a generosity I had never seen before and have brought that back with me. It was so worthwhile.
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. |
There is no better way to experience other cultures than to immerse yourself in it. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
much nicer than anticipated. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
nicer than anticipated |
| * Food: |
very tasty |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This was the best part, being thrown into the culture thinking you had prepared yourself with basic language skills and previous research. Let me tell you nothing can prepare you for a trip like this. |
|
* 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) |
|
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | level 2 of spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | speak it. if you don't use it you lose it. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I know a lot more. But I am glad I did not know it before the trip. It would have changed the dynamic of the trip. |
