Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying while traveling. Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/09/2012 to 05/30/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: UNI Capstone in Four Countries

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Understanding the similarities and differences among cultures and the people living within those cultures.

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.

I felt the professor had high exceptions but the students did not try to meet them. The professor allowed students to give below average effort on assignments. I did find the topic interesting and enjoyable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The lack of communication with everyone involved in the trip was disappointing. Whether it was the students not listing to the professor. The coordinator or professor not telling the students information.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was better than I expected and other students liked the housing accommodation.

* Food:

The food was great in all of the countries. It was fun to try different food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Local culture and the environment were great. I was shocked by how many people spoke English.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The professor looked out for the students safety on the trip.

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)

Budgeting would have been easier with advanced notice of cost and potential problems. However, after discovering the problems I budgeted appropriately.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not go out to eat or party every evening.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Being able to see different place.
  • Getting out of my comfort zone.
  • Seeing how other people lived.
* What could be improved?
  • Having the people around me more prepared for culture and learning.
  • Better communication among people (students, professor, university).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about some of the countries we visited. I studied a couple of countries but I did not know stuff about others.