Exceptional Past Review
By Cris H (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/10/2012 to 05/24/2012 with
University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in London and Paris
I learned how to adapt to other cultures and to try new things. It was definitely worth while.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
He was very helpful and knowledgeable of the countries. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hostel in London had all the necessary requirements but the rooms were very small and crowded. The hostel in Paris was excellent and I highly recommend using that one again. |
| * Food: |
The food was excellent in both locations. London had very good fish and chips, while Paris had great crepes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt more integrated in the culture in London because everyone spoke English. It was more difficult in Paris because of the language barrier. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We were made aware of all the health issues. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe when I was with the group. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
1 |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 225 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat a heavy breakfast and take advantage of your free meals. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
2 |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | n/a |
| 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? | For France, ensure you know how to say hello, thank you, please, and if they speak english in French. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How to use the transportation system. |
