Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Never Felt Like I Left Home Past Review

By (Human Biology, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/12/2014 to 06/05/2014 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 lot of independence and problem-solving skills while abroad. Much of the trip was filled with confusion and many times we were left to figure out the next steps for ourselves. This was good for me and the disconnect from people at home was good as well. Overall the trip was worthwhile historically and personally.

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.

* 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? $200

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

  • Local Students
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Sidetrips
  • Food
  • Free time
* What could be improved?
  • Planning
  • Budgeting
  • Scheduling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew exactly what I still had to pay for. Our budget sheet did not indicate that I would still need to pay for tours and admission to events/museums that were planned with the group, so I did not budget correctly and felt financially strained towards the end of my program and when I returned.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!