Amazing Experience to 4 Different Countries Past Review
By Gracie G (Elementary Education and Literacy, University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Northern Iowa: UNI Capstone in Four Countries
I had such a great time on this trip. I loved seeing a variety of different cultures and interacting with the people from the four countries. It opened my eyes to another part of the world where I saw gorgeous landscapes and interesting foods. I'm so glad I chose this capstone and saw all of the beautiful things each country had to offer.
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. |
The workload wasn't bad at all. While in Romania we were in class for five days, gave a presentation with Romanian students, and took a quiz. It wasn't that hard. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought this was a great capstone experience. Our faculty leader knew a lot about the countries we visited because she has been on this trip many times. The program size was not too big and not too little. I was able to get to know everyone who went on the trip. This trip met all of my expectations. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We visited four different countries, so we got to live in many different types of housing. We lived in a hostel in Hungary, a dorm in Romania and a hotel and apartment in Greece. I brought a pillow case and blanket, otherwise everything else is provided for you. I felt very safe at all living places because I never went places alone. It is important to always have a buddy with you. |
| * Food: |
I tried many different foods on this trip. It is important to branch out and try different foods. Some of the foods I didn't like, but I'm glad that I tried all of the different foods provided for us. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went on many trips throughout the three weeks and saw many different attractions. I enjoyed seeing Buckingham Palace in England, Mt. Olympus in Katerini, Greece, and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. We also went on many educational field trips which were a lot of fun. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in all of the countries because we went places as a group a lot of the time. We did have time to go off by ourselves,but I always went with a friend and never traveled alone. I did feel a little scared when we first got to a new country, but I felt a lot more comfortable after a couple of days of getting use to my surroundings. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The 4 Countries Capstone is a great trip that anyone could benefit from. The trip allows you to see four amazing countries in a three week time period. You get to meet amazing new friends, see many different sites, and try amazing new foods. I had a great time on this trip and would love to go back and visit the countries again. |
