Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London is worth it, Paris not so much Past Review

By (International Policy Analysis., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/24/2013 to 06/07/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in London and Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Every time I travel abroad I learn something new. London was worthwhile because I felt safe walking around and by the end of the week felt comfortable going places on even on my own. However, I was not impressed with Paris and felt I didn't get to experience the positives of Paris because there was too much rushing and a need for extreme safety due to pickpocketers.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* 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? No

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat breakfast at the hotel, look for grocery stores, buy discount meals (ex. sandwich, dessert, and drink combo for one price)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Sightseeing
  • Castles
  • Greenery
* What could be improved?
  • Timeliness
  • Safety in Paris
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The amount of smoking that takes place publicly in Paris is much greater than in the United States.

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.