Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AMAZING experience!!! Past Review

By (Northwestern University) - abroad from 07/01/2016 to 08/28/2016 with

The Intern Group: Colombia, Emerging Markets Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many great friendships and excellent work experience! Definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget, budget, budget! During your first week, keep track of everything that you have spent. Then budget the rest of your time (remember that you are probably going to travel and spend more money on food etc after your first week too).

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

To enter the program, you could speak English so it was difficult to encourage people from all different levels. Most students simply practiced at their work or with locals, which was really helpful!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 302 - Advanced Grammar
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? Speak as much as possible! Any opportunity you have, speak!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The people
  • The language
  • The staff
* What could be improved?
  • More events where interns can meet other interns1
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will definitely be frustrating at first, but everything will get easier after a while!

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 Networker
An 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.