Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unexpected Adventure Past Review

By (Communication Disorders, Truman State University) - abroad from 02/17/2014 to 06/03/2014 with

University of Veliko Turnovo: Bulgaria - Direct Enrollment and Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I went to Bulgaria knowing almost nothing about the country, culture, language, etc..... I had no idea what to expect. Even though there were some challenges with the administration and program details, I loved the freedom I had to explore the city. Veliko Tarnovo is absolutely beautiful and very affordable. I got to explore the country fairly thoroughly even though I didn't make it to any other countries. I learned a lot about myself, what I need to live, what the important things are, etc and loved getting to know a new country. It was absolutely beautiful!

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.

It was a really easy program with surprisingly few in-class hours. There was less academic-learning involved than expected.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I only met the person specifically in charge of my program twice and usually worked with the international office. They were very nice and willing to help with anything (which was amazing), but they didn't know the details of my program and neither did I, so we had a lot of complications that could have been avoided if the administration of my program had been more heavily involved.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a spacious room with a private bathroom (which sounds great), but there was flooding several times and as a result, mold was everywhere. By the end, it was kind of awful. Also, there was no kitchen access

* Food:

There were two places to eat on campus and they were only open 11:30-3 M-F, with limited options but fairly decent prices. There was a small store to buy food nearby and obviously restaurants and stores in town.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I only interacted with local students because I was teaching English to some of them. Most of the other students I interacted with were also foreign - Erasmus students, for the most part.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There were no health concerns for me personally, but drugs would have been easy to access in pharmacies without too much problem. I wouldn't have been able to find a doctor or hospital on my own though, and apparently the ambulances take way too long to be of much use anyway. Or so I heard from some of the locals.

* Safety:

I felt safe walking the 25 minutes back to campus after 10 in the (semi) dark alone as the streets were well-lit and there was usually a sidewalk. I never had any problems, but I didn't stumble around in a drunken haze either, so always be smart.

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)

Bulgaria was really cheap and great for a budget, especially if you're careful with your money. There were some hidden fees though - some excess housing, registration, and supply fees I had to pay when I arrived. They weren't too high, but they might mess up a tight budget if you aren't prepared for them.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $1400 including souveniors and extra expenses I had on location
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of what you spend whether on an app or by using a check book of sorts. Just so you can keep an eye on things and know where and how you are using your money.

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

I used it in the classroom and that was about it.

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? I had four years in Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get out there and use it. Don't let your new friends use you for English practice (that happened to me all the time). Insist on trying even though you'll make mistakes. Even if they laugh at you a bit, they're generally really helpful and encouraging.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • i had so much freedom
  • the country was gorgeous
* What could be improved?
  • no one knew what department i was supposed to be under and there was a ton of confusion all around about whose responsibility I was and what the requirements for my program were
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to learn the alphabet before you go. Also, know that the administration is going to be messy. They're all very nice and helpful and interested in you, but they have no idea what to do with you.

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!