Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable. Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 06/04/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Traveling - Art History & Photography

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about my personal self and my goals as an artist and student. I learned how to rely on myself and trust my own instincts and decisions. I learned about patience and I learned that everything isn't always as bad as it seems.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of regular grocery store visits and try to plan out your meals as you travel to each place in order to save money by avoiding eating out every meal. In hotel rooms it becomes hard because you are unable to store perishables, but if you can work around that and find other items that you can store that are filling, you can manage to save a lot of money that way.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • This program allowed us to experience so many amazing things and helped us become independent as well as form relationships with others who were a part of the program.
* What could be improved?
  • The only improvement I would recommend is to shorten our stay in London so we are able to enjoy Barcelona for longer.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Budget! And when they say pack LIGHTLY–listen to them. Travel days were the worst days!