Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing fieldwork experience! Past Review

By (Utica College) - abroad from 11/28/2016 to 12/09/2016 with

Utica College: Occupational Therapy in the Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One very important thing I learned first hand through this experience is play is a universal language. The language barrier did not interfere much as we played with the children we were able to interact with.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

The city itself was not safe but at no point did I feel unsafe during my trip.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? very little, most of our food was paid for.

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? 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? SPA 102
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling to the orphanages
  • Working in schools
  • Working in the early intervention clinics
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Planning before the trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go with the flow and not get frustrated when things didn't go as we planned.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!