Great food. Great people. Great city. Past Review
By A student (Villanova University) - abroad from 01/11/2013 to 05/04/2013 with
Villanova University: London or Singapore - Global Citizens Program
The abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. Not many universities allow freshmen to study abroad, let alone intern as well during their first year. Being able to study in a foreign country, immersing in the local culture, and working there is a privilege. The whole trip was wonderful. Going to Singapore was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although there was not an overload of busy work, there were many large assignments that could have been worth 30-50% of your final grade. And because there were only 8 weeks of coursework, the schedule was rushed so that made things more difficult. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Academic Internship Council in Singapore did a great job helping us adjust. The program coordinator and her staff were helpful in finding us housing, educational facilities, and internships. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Despite there being some lizards/bugs in the house (which is common in many parts of Asia), the apartments were close to the subway station and city which was convenient. |
| * Food: |
There are so many different local foods and cuisines in Singapore. It's easy to satisfy anyone's taste. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Of course, we Americans did stand out at times. But once I started interning with the locals, I felt myself immersing more and more into the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally did not have any health care needs, but for those that did seemed to have found help quickly and effectively. |
| * Safety: |
Singapore is very safe due to their strict laws. However, it's still important to be mindful of your surroundings no matter what country you're in. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Hawker center (food court) food was always affordable and delicious. And since we didn't have to pay for bills, it was easy to maintain a student budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you plan on traveling during your breaks, book your plane tickets/bus tickets earlier on to save money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That the internship component consisted of an essay due at the end (although I would have still participated in the internship no matter what) |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
