Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved seeing the Middle East for myself. It was extremely exciting! Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/12/2012 to 06/03/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Traveling - Middle East

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely a worthwhile experience. I learned a lot from this experience. I learned that no matter where you go in the world, people are people and every culture has programs. And also that the United States media crucifies those people in the Middle East for things that they may not even necessarily do. They are only trying to survive and I'm not sure it's our place to tell them how.

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? $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save and pay for it up front. Don't take out a loan. Prepare ahead of time. Do not decided last minute to go to prevent the need to take out a loan.

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

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Find someone who speaks that language and work with them before you go.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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 like seeing the world through my own eyes and not through what the media portrays.
  • I really enjoyed getting to know more students from UVU and meeting local students.
  • I liked that we went to Jordan as well and not just Israel.
* What could be improved?
  • Making sure that plans do not fall through.
  • Extending the program so that it's more worth the $5000 or finding a way to lower the cost.
  • Less time in Jerusalem and make sure to go to Tel Aviv and spend more time in Jordan.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about what the culture and the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. And also more Bible stories, because there are things related to the stories in the Bible everywhere over there. Also, understanding foreign policy and international laws better.