Literally in Paradise Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed being in the classroom. The way the class was taught was refreshing compared to being in an American classroom. However, I didn't feel the same way in all classrooms. I felt, in some classes, the way things were being taught (which I have been taught before) were being taught in a much more difficult way. When I approached the professor, instead of offering to help me, he instead chose to persuade me into changing my major as a whole. While I enjoyed classes and attempted to take on the less enjoyable ones, the grading system was discouraging. I felt as if my effort was not reflected in my scores.

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful when I had a couple questions and didn't pose not one obstacle when I needed help dropping a class, even after deadlines had passed.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The on campus food was good. I was actually surprised at the options that I had on campus. While they did seem limited, there was a mini "downtown" area, if you'd like to call it, with more options.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel much integration. It didn't help that I am a bit introverted but I did find it a bit difficult to meet new people. It seemed as if, everyone already had their own group of friends and were busy with their life. I only felt myself meeting people when I was assigned to group projects in the classroom and even then, the relationships were unnatural.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I visited the on campus doctor, twice I believe. It was swift and easy. I figured that it would have been difficult being that I was an international student and I wasn't sure what my healthplan covered me for. The doctor that I saw on both times was very helpful and the visits were always completed in a timely fashion.

I think my host city was actually a really safe place. Even on the times were I felt as if I might have been in danger, it turned out to be paranoia. Even the two times were paranoia seemed to not be the answer, I still ended up safe. I just advice future students to just keep an eye out when they do choose to go out, wherever it may be. Just because someone wears a smile does not mean they have good intentions.

They made my transition into my host country very seamless. Whenever I needed help with anything, they were a message away. I think the events that they had planned for us were perfect. They were overall amazing.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I believe it was pretty easy some weeks to live on a student's budget. However, some weekends it was extremely hard when I would go on excursions.

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• International Students

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The Outright Urbanite