An extroardinary experience. I loved every minute of it. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was incredible. I had never done a study abroad program before, but what I learned was priceless. I really appreciated that the book work was done before and after the trip, so we were able to fully enjoy and appreciate the experience without having to spend hours in our room studying in PARIS and LONDON!!! I really didn't expect to learn so much. Obviously, we were going to learn about marketing, but what you learn about people, life, culture, etc. is really eye opening. Our instructor told us this would change our lives....and it did! I would do it again in a heart beat.

On-site administration of your program

Our instructor couldn't have been more wonderful. I adore her. I'm not a marketing major, but her passion is contagious. She was very well prepared and did everything she could to make this trip a wonderful experience for all of us. I can't thank her enough for the time and energy she put into this.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was so much fun. The hotel in London was so nice. It was over a hundred years old and so beautiful. The lobby downstairs was the natural place for everyone to meet up and socialize after the long days. In Paris we stayed in a hostel which made me a little nervous, but it was an incredible hostel. We had private rooms (with our roommate) and private bathrooms. It wasn't anything like the hostels I'm familiar with. The lobby was very nice, but not so cozy, so people seemed to hang out in their rooms more. Internet wasn't very good in either hotel, but I think that has more to do with Europe. My understanding is that we're pretty spoiled here in America with our fast and accessible internet.

I think we were all surprised, including our instructor, about the continental breakfast in London, or lack of. It was toast and orange juice. blahh. A lot of us just ended up going to a fun little gas station/grocery store on the next corner where we just picked up some cheap and delicious food. FYI-I NEVER eat gas station food, but they are so different in London. This is the best way to eat quick, cheap, and good. Go for the prepared sandwiches. We were responsible for most of our meals, but if you plan for it, it's not a problem. Also, know what your traveling habits are. The food expense wasn't an issue for me at all, but other people who spent a lot on the flea market and souvenir shops seemed to have a harder time. In Paris the hostel had a cafeteria where we were given tickets for our meals. So much food was included we all had spare tickets on the last day.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was starting to feel like home. We were able to come and go as we chose during our free time and were able to navigate through the city easily and comfortably. There are so many other tourists there, that the only time I felt like we stood out was when we were all traveling together in our group of 21. I was a little nervous about Paris because of the language barrier, but it wasn't a problem at all. So many people spoke English and signs are posted in several languages. It was very comfortable.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately only one girl had a medical issue during the whole trip. My understanding was that the hospital was a little difficult to find, due to some bad directions from the front desk, but she was treated that night and was able to stay on the trip.

Just be careful. Pick pocketing is a big issue. A few of us were sharing a table with some locals at a restaurant and they had their phone swiped right off the table. I don't think their were any incidents with our group and I never felt in danger, just be aware and stay in groups.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

This is a difficult question to answer because it is completely dependent on your personal preferences. I brought $2000 in spending money, and came home with a little over $500. I don't buy a lot of trinkets/souvenirs, though. I like to buy a few nice things and enjoy the dining. Be aware that it is a lot more expensive there due to the exchange rate.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were encouraged to practice some common terms before we left, but it was very simple to communicate with only about 5 common words. It really wasn't an issue at all.

Select all that apply

• Hotel
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Local Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Other

• How the time was divided. There was just the right amount of free time vs. appointments
• The variety of local experiences. We were able to hit all of the expected touristy places, and places I wouldn't have known about had I gone on my own. It was perfect.
• The instuctor was wonderful. I've since thought about going on another study abroad program, because I loved it so much, but it wouldn't be the same without Letty. She's wonderful!

• Several of the students had bad attitudes and found reasons to complain rather than enjoy the experience. We're in Europe! What is there to complain about?