Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most unforgettable experience I've ever had! Past Review

By (Texas State University-San Marcos) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 03/14/2016 with

Instituto Franklin-UAH: Alcalá de Henares - Study Abroad in Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself being abroad. I met new people not just from the United States but from the world as well. I became more independent traveling be myself sometimes and became cultured with my surroundings.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family and they were very welcoming. I think staying with a host family is beneficial because you get the ultimate experience

* Food:

So much amazing 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)

If you're thinking of studying abroad make sure you come with a good support system from the states. Traveling within Europe is cheaper than in the United States but you're still going to be spending money because of the convenience of traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes. Plan ahead of time if you're going to go to different countries and make sure to browse around for different prices. Airfare in Europe is pretty cheap so book your flights weeks in advance for the ultimate savings.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Interact with your host families as much as possible.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • My host family
  • Traveling to new countries
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with Instituto Franklin and students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should of saved more money before going abroad.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!