Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Going abroad taught me to be comfortable with who I am no matter where I am. Past Review

By (Urban and Regional Planning, Berea College) - abroad from 08/19/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

University of Groningen: Groningen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in my actions and beliefs. I learned to take things in stride and to be more flexible. I learned that I can adapt quickly to differing circumstances if I really want to.

Review Photos

University of Groningen: Groningen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Groningen: Groningen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Groningen: Groningen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Groningen: Groningen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Groningen: Groningen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in an old study housing building that was about to be demolished. It was in poor condition and administration was not willing to do much for it since it was going to be standing for much longer.

* Food:

I cooked my own food most of the time and ate out a few times a week.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had classes with international students only and I lived in an international student house that was a 15 minute bike ride from the rest of the city. There was a slight feeling of isolation in this.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt afraid to go anywhere on my own.

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? 130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy what you don't need/what you know you'll have a hard time fitting into your suitcase when you go home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The instructors were reasonable and actively helped me.
* What could be improved?
  • I would have preferred to be in a homestay.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It really is okay to not pack your days full of things to do. Take a break and enjoy it. It may be a new country but you don't have to do so much that you stop enjoying it.

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!