Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Global Adventure Past Review

By (Marketing, Utah State University) - abroad from 05/30/2015 to 06/20/2015 with

Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is ours to explore and learn from. Although we as humans may be very different, we also share many similiarities. I was able to learn about cultures and traditions that shape people into who they are. I was also able to see first hand how businesses function overseas. It was a trip and a learning experience of a lifetime.

Review Photos

Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We were constantly learning and experiencing new things.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was always somebody with us to take care of us and help us in any way possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were fantastic and very comfortable.

* Food:

It was easy to come by traditional and delicious food. And it was very cheap!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were able to have multiple cultural activities in order to feel more involved in the culture of each and every community that we visited.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Luckily I never had any health issues, but I noticed that those that did were always taken care of.

* Safety:

I felt safe the entire time I was traveling.

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)

It was somewhat easy in some of the countries as compared to the others.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe around $40-70 depending on the country.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just be frugal and eat at local restaurants rather than foreign ones.

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

Most people spoke english.

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 am fluent in spanish, but never took chinese classes.
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? I would learn the basics and maybe take an online class or two.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 loved the ease of everything. We were always taken care of with transportation and exciting experiences.
* What could be improved?
  • There were just a couple of city guides
  • that were very unprofessional.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would have studied more about the local cultures and traditions. It is nice going somewhere with a knowledge of their history.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.