Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great Immersion Experience Past Review

By (Rutgers University - New Brunswick) - abroad from 07/18/2015 to 08/30/2015 with

The Intern Group: Colombia, Emerging Markets Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
-Cultural Immersion -Getting outside your comfort zone, and meeting different peopl -Absolutely worth it, and unforgettable experience

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I didn't feel that the program was too difficult, or the challenges unsurpassable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Clear administration of the program, I knew where to be when- and had ample support from the office if I encountered any problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Excellent living situation in modern apartment building in great neighborhood.

* Food:

Very delicious and cheap too. You could choose to go out and try the local cuisine or go shopping for a fraction of what groceries cost in the US

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TIG organized many activities to get to know other participants on the program and have fun. I went out of my way and befriended my coworkers at work who took me out and I met their friends, very easy to meet people when you put in the effort.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a stomach flu one week of the program and TIG's medical service was on call to assess the problem and prescribe me the appropriate meds.

* Safety:

Never once did I feel unsafe in the city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Yes I would, it was a great program and well organized. I met tons of amazing people and made real connections with people in the program and outside of it. I would make sure to be as specific as you can about what kind of placement you are looking for during the application process, that way you can have the most impactful experience.

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? Had to have been between $30-40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a lot of avocados, strawberries, pineapple- general produce. You'll live the most healthy you ever have in your life.

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

I was speaking in Spanish full-time while I was at my job-site. Exactly what I wanted. If you don't want that you can make that clear during the application process.

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? 300- Level
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? Seek out opportunities as much as possible

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 many opportunities to use language
  • My housing with a local student
  • The people I met at work
* What could be improved?
  • Comprehensive training plan of placement
  • Offering options for kinds of placements available
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had asked more about what my role would be like with TIG and the company. It was a bit open-ended, therefore it's good to have a strong idea of the placement before you agree to it. If it doesn't sound like it's for you, you can ask for another placement before the program starts.