An unforgettable adventure Past Review
By A student (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
It was definitely worthwhile, worth every dollar spent. I take the things we have here in America for granted: our food, our amenities, lack of homeless people I see on a daily basis.
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. |
Although we did all of the work while at home, most of the learning came while in the foreign countries. I learned more than just my two topics that I chose to research while in London and Paris. The class was not that intense because the professor made it more fun and relaxing which is a good way to learn. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hostel we stayed at in London was livable and in a good part of town but the floor which we were assigned was not as nice when compared to the other floors. The hostel in Paris was much nicer but at night I felt unsafe while walking even in a big group. |
| * Food: |
The breakfast provided by the hostel in London was decent. It helped save money. While eating out in London I found the food quite delicious. The food provided by the hostel in Paris was good once we figured out what each word meant in French. While eating out in Paris, I had the most delicious crepe ever! Other food that I had there was good as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt more integrated in London than in Paris. Perhaps it was the language barrier in Paris. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I'm unaware of any health issues other than colds. |
| * Safety: |
I felt more safe in London than in Paris. Mostly because I knew the language in London so knew what people were saying. |
| 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) |
I knew coming into the program that I was going to spend quite a bit of money, and for the most part I think I was only over my projected total by $50. |
| * 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? | Roughly $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat 2 big meals a day and have a small snack for one (I advise for lunch), don't buy a lot of people souvenirs, take cash out of an ATM while there because the cost to convert is very high. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | To bring better walking shoes, |
