Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

All-around Emersion Past Review

By (HISTORY., Furman University) - abroad from 08/17/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

Vesalius College: Brussels - Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most valuable part of this experience abroad is the internship experience. Being able to work in Brussels, the political hub of Europe cannot be matched on any other program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This experience is different than other study abroad programs because it includes both an internship and classes. The result is a challenging program that enables you to not only learn in a classroom setting but also learn applicable skills about working in a different environment than the US.

* 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?

I feel that the best way to get integrated is through the opportunity to not only live but also work in a different country.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook dinner in your apartment during the week as much as you can.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Internship
  • Accessibility to rest of Europe from Brussels
  • living in an apartment with other American students
* What could be improved?
  • Vesalius College
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had bought a better umbrella!