Swedish semester Past Review
By breida.hill (Graphic Design., Illinois State University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/17/2012 with
Uppsala University: Uppsala - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned to try everything at least once, be open to other's 'usual', understand how internationals speak english, and how to not only get by, but really live in a foreign place. It was worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were thought provoking but didn't give me a massive work load. Exercises, discussions, presentations, and exams were all straight forward and beneficial to me. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Stephanie and the whole international office were extremely welcoming and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Fun environment, spacious arrangement, sturdy furniture and kitchen appliances, somewhat far from city center but definitely manageable. |
| * Food: |
I was satisfied with everything I ate/bought to prepare. Although prices weren't always ideal, the food was always delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt almost all the way immersed in the way of Uppsala. The nations really helped with that but so did exploring and wandering through the town to try new things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
NA |
| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened around town, on public transit, or while by myself. Ways were well lit and I never experienced any discomfort in safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Everyday products and food were all quite expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Check sales in ICA, ride bike instead of bus. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Locals I met would test my knowledge but there was very little need for me to speak Swedish. |
| 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? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Practice with local friends and nation workshops, everyone is willing to help you learn. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Maybe a map with locations of important spots? But finding things on google maps was easy enough |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
