Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Live changing experience that I'll never forget and glad I experienced. 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 how to travel on my own. I learned how to deal in situations when you and a local can't communicate and how to figure it out. I learned a lot about the classes that I also took. I think it was worth it and am so glad that I got to experience this. It was life changing and I made friends that I hope are there 5-10+ years down the road. I learned more then I even imagined about myself as a person and about the studies that I took.

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.

I had an amazing time and learned so much. The only thing I would have done differently is have more lectures either before we left for the study abroad or in London where it was easiest to lecture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love the housing in London, great location and a wonderful place for the group to get to know each other. If there was a way to do that in Paris it would have been great. The group seemed to kinda split once in Paris and maybe a different location. If possible in the latin district. Barcelona was a great location and the housing was nice and clean but maybe somewhere else as well since the sleeping arrangements were a little different.

* Food:

This has nothing to do with the program since we bought our own food but i wasn't in love with the food in Paris or London. I would go with more ethnic foods in these locations.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The locals were friendly, helpful and wanted to mingle, except maybe Paris but we were prepared for that. Great experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This didn't apply to me so I am not sure if I can really rate this area.

* Safety:

I always felt safe and never had an issue during the program of feeling otherwise.

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)

I did find that I was spending a lot of money on food. Especially in Paris since we didn't have a fridge or anything to keep food and that is something that I would like to change about the program, especially because the food in Paris was my least favorite. Everywhere else it was easier to get the breakfast and lunch at our place or pack a lunch and spoil yourself for dinner and go out.

* 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? $300 not including shopping. That was more food only.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to do as many home cooked meals as possible but also let yourself enjoy the experience of being in a foreign country and letting yourself enjoy it. Try to give yourself a budget otherwise you wont realize how much you have spent on food until its too late.

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

If your able to speak the language they encourage you to use it. Also common expressions they encourage. Most people did speak English though along with their foreign language so it wasn't ever much of an issue.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Beginning 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? Learn common phrase that you think you would need to know. Other then that most people do speak English as well so just be patient and if you can't communicate just relax and you both will figure out a way to communicate to each other.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Meeting people from my area with similar interests.
  • Exploring another country and their history.
  • Being hands on with what we were learning.
* What could be improved?
  • Lecture time being in London or at home before due to difficulty in other locations.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Packing better. I felt like I overpacked in some areas and under packed in others. Also researching things I would want to do on my days off of the program. Being prepared better in that aspect.