Best Two Weeks Spent Across the Pond. Past Review
By A student (Social Work., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/11/2013 to 05/24/2013 with
University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in London and Paris
I have an entirely new understanding for the English and French cultures. It was incredibly eye opening to see how people live and interact in different parts of the world, even within the European nation. Also, I have a new appreciation for the things I have here in the United States.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring cash! It made it much easier for me to budget my money with having cash on me as opposed to paying primarily with a bank card or continually withdrawing money from ATMs. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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 |
In Paris, there was definitely a language barrier. I have background experience in have a minor in French language, but the program did not have a language requirement. I was encouraged by my fellow classmates to use the language to help with interpreting different things, but it was not necessary for me to do so. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 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? | Look up places that I can visit during down time. Try more local cuisine as opposed to the places in the more touristy areas of each city. Practice and refresh my French speaking. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
