The most you'll ever learn about life and the world we live in Past Review

By (LYHS, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/12/2013 to 06/05/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: UNI Capstone in Four Countries

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a broader view of the world and to look at issues from all aspects of the world instead of a U.S. perspective. yes, it was very worthwhile and worth the money.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - Four Country Capstone Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - Four Country Capstone Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $175-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? start saving as a freshman, ask for money for christmas/birthday gifts

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? 5th year high school spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? n/a

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?
  • The experiences
  • the food
  • the views
* What could be improved?
  • communication as to what to expect
  • knowledge that we actually had to buy a lot of our own meals
  • a list of the top 5 things to do in each place
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that I would have to buy more of my own meals than I thought