It was an engaging, growing and transforming experience Past Review

By (Social Wokk, University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

University of Texas - San Antonio: Worldwide - Independent Research Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
-Connection with people, -Different approach to the field of social work -Working on constraint circumstances

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find cheap places to eat. Cook and Bring your own food

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Watch local TV programs

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Internship at agency
  • Classes at the SW program
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities in Brazil for Social Workers Interns
  • Portuguese language classes at UTSA
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the economic and social situation of the city I was living in: Recife