Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Canada: Stressful but Worth It Past Review

By (VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS., Pittsburg State University) for

University of Victoria: Victoria - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think it's important for everyone to study abroad somewhere. Canada suited my needs perfectly. Not only that but my roommate was French and she had friends from Spain, Portugal, and Belgium to name a few. I got to meet so many amazing people from all over the world and my only real regret is that I only speak English.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Victoria
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 finals were a quite a bit different that what I was used too. We only have a week after our classes in which we take finals, they have a 3-4 week period after classes and exams can fall anywhere in those extra weeks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really managed it all on my own. I wasn't on exchange and as such they weren't really aware of my presence. I went in with a sink or swim feel.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the dorms with a girl from France. It was really nice, we were right next to campus and the bus terminal.

* Food:

The school had a list of vegetarian options that were really helpful.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visiting Vancouver with a friend was quite shocking for me. It was beautiful though and I absolutely loved that I was able to visit.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Victoria was an extremely safe and sleepy city. I felt very comfortable there. I made sure to always be with at least one friend though, just in case.

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?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Studying what I wanted
* What could be improved?
  • Not letting visiting students fall through the cracks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I went to study Native Art of the NW Coast and it was an incredible experience. I would definitely suggest this to anyone interested in Native Art. Just be prepared for some bumps in the road.