Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The school I was in was rough, but I learned a lot and the views were stunning! Past Review

By (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 10/17/2017 to 12/19/2017 with

The Island School: The Bahamas - Fall and Spring Semesters

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I grew a lot as an individual. I learned that I can live on my own successfully. Especially since I was in another country. I got to meet a lot of individuals and learn their life lessons as well. I will cherish these memories my whole life.

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.

The program itself is great, but I had a rough experience with my cooperating teacher. I was able to go into the other classes at my school and was able to learn a lot from my teachers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My coordinator was not the greatest. I often had to remind him of things, and he wouldn't communicate with me about things. We had issues with my immigration papers and he didn't do anything about the problem until the very last minute, so I didn't have my papers for about half of my stay here.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The first living arrangements I were in were not the best, but I was able to find new housing which was much better!

* Food:

I never had a bad meal while I was here. The food in stores is a little more pricy than it is back home, but it was all imported so I understand the high prices.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone here made me feel extremely welcome and were always willing to help me learn not only about teaching but their culture as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe in the neighborhood that I was in and during the day. I wouldn't recommend walking around areas you are not familiar with or at night.

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

I grew a lot independently and as a teacher. I was able to implement a lot of various disciplinary tactics and I befriended a lot of individuals. I learned a lot not only about the Bahamian culture, but others as well. I was able to meet individuals from all over the world which was an awesome experience. Plus I did a lot of things out of my comfort zone.

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)

Prices were about double compared to prices back home. Housing is also fairly expensive, but the flight cost was a lot less.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you look for good days, you can purchase your flight fairly cheaply. I flew in and out on Tuesdays because they are typically the cheapest days.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 views
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with coordinators
  • Better teacher placement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about immigration paperwork because I have had a lot of issues with it, which caused me a lot of stress.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.