Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience provides a greater learning expereince that that of a classroom. Past Review

By (Business Management / Marketing, Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/01/2012 to 08/23/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Traveling - Business Marketing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a great respect for the United Kingdom and appreciate the traditions that remain in the society there. My understanding for business management and marketing did not reach record breaking heights but did strenghten and grow from the experiences there. The relationships made were special and unique. Yes! I feel that each individual had the same opportunity to make of it what they wanted to. I took advantage of every opportunity and made the most of it. I tried to elaborate on the high points and made a learning opportunity of the low ones. This trip was a life-long highlight for me... I would have enjoyed staying a few more days in London.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: NA
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although a few of the academic appointments were poor in quality many of the appoinments were of value and educational (even if it was an example what not to do). Positive educational experiences include ( but not limited to) LV workshop, Brand Museum, Olympic Site, Prudence, Liberties, Fortnum and Mason ("having tea" was a bonus, just plain FUN), Alain Lalou, and Trends Setting. Lets not leave out Stonehenge, Bath, and Verasilles. Those were not "Business or Marketing related" yet the majority of the students would say that those days were definatedly in the top five "appointments" or experiences during the entire trip.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

LOVE LONDON!!! Can I say how absolutely awesome it was to watch the Olympics after being there. For the first time I was interested in the games... because of my studying abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Breakfast did get old and was not up to anyone's expectations, but considering that bread, croissaunts, and orage jusice was the main breakfast in both countries I considered that as a culture factor. Although we all got tires of this menu, now I think of Europe when I eat these and have purchased them here just so I can close my eyes while I eat them and pretend that I there... Rooms were clean, personal belongings safe, had individual bathrooms-- Im happy!

* Food:

Already covered breakfasts (although University could have compt the difference for the upgraded meal since that is how it was represented), dinners in Paris were of my approval mainly because it kept my money in my pocket for other things. The food was not the best I've had, nor was it the worst... why complain?

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made it my own responsibility to interact with the "natives" in each location. I personally enjoyed conversations with the male bus drivers in London... Funny, down to earth, knowledgable individuals. Employees at the museums were friendly too, some of the shops as well as the pubs in London. Paris was not as great as London.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes! THe one situation that came up was addressed and handled in a sincerely concerning manner. Letty did a great job!

* Safety:

Safety was of the most important of both the professors and the students. Most all strived to maintain a high level of safety, some of us took it upon ourselves to secure the situation if safety was a concern for another student. No one was pick-pocketed or had items come up missing... YEAH!!

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)

1 - The exchage rate is a bit steep to say the least. We tried to keep costs low and skimp where we could. However, we anticipated that and saved for this experience, therefore, we did fine dining a few of time and did some shopping too...

* 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? 250.00 (with some extra spending for entry fees)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Over budget, take what you can and be frugal there. Do not cut yourself short so you cannot enjoy the opportunity... Save, raise funds, take a side job... do what it takes to give yourself the options you choose while there.

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

Encouragement was shown from the begining of the trip preparation by all staff, especially Letty. We all made do. Letty was very helful when it came to menu reading... Thanks, I like to know what I am eatting!!

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? N/A
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? Translation books and tapes... exposure, study, and practice daily.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • The adventure of new places, history, and lifestyles, Bath, Stonehenge, Verasilles, and some of the appointments.
  • A good amount of personal time to explore and enrich personal interests.
  • Getting to know the other students and building friendships that otherwise would not have been given the opportunity.
* What could be improved?
  • Bus Passes, perhaps use oyster card verses individual tickets that often fail.
  • Less time in high-end fashion, I would have liked to experience lower-end stores providing a broader spectrum of the cost of living, and business dynamics.
  • Better quality headsets, perhaps provided by the school, allowing students, professors, and guides to communicate more efficiently and effectively.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How big the museums actually were, I would have picked a few to take in and enjoy instead of skimming so many.