I promise this is a trip you won’t forget! Past Review

By Felicita M (Business, Barry University) - abroad from 06/08/2015 to 07/09/2015 with

Voyager Europe: Traveling Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Don’t miss out on an experience of a lifetime. Don’t wait 5 years to realize you should have traveled Europe through an amazing opportunity like this. I’m so happy I studied abroad and more with this program. Don’t make the same mistake other students do by trying to save a little more and not having a better Euro trip experience. Be adventurous, take a risk, meet new people, learn new things, and do it by traveling the world.

Review Photos

Voyager Europe: Traveling Summer Program Photo

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.	The educational experience was incredible. The in-class discussions added value and made the places that we visited mean something. Discussing the culture and history of each country and city prior to visiting them is definitely the best ways to learn. The whole trip including the cultural and professional visits were fun and stimulating.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The Voyager Europe experience included so much more and had so many different activities it made the study abroad experience complete. It was very well organized. It was structured so that you learned as much as you possibly could in every city. There was also time to explore and do things that you want to do. We had walking tour in each city and the tour guides were locals that new the ins and outs. We ate at local places, often with the professors. If I traveled on my own, I wouldn’t have known about many of the places we visited. This study abroad program is more of an eye-opening, culturally stimulating (in every aspect), learning opportunity than you can imagine.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Voyager Europe allowed me to see so much of Europe, but it did so in a way where I always felt safe. We stayed in very nice hotels in very good locations. We did not stay in hostels like other study abroad programs.
* Food:	They professors and staff love traveling and having a great time which makes everyone on the program have a memorable experience.The professors know the best places to eat and often join us. It is so such an incredible experience.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	This was my second study abroad program. My first program was approximately 2 months in Brazil. It was one of the best times of my life. As much fun as that program was, Voyager Europe was definitely 10 times better. Honestly, it would be unfair to compare. The Voyager Europe experience included so much more and had so many different activities it made the study abroad experience complete. We had walking tour in each city and the tour guides were locals that new the ins and outs. We ate at local places, often with the professors. If I traveled on my own, I wouldn’t have known about many of the places we visited. This study abroad program is more of an eye-opening, culturally stimulating (in every aspect), learning opportunity than you can imagine.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	The director carries around a complete medical kit and treats us like family. My roommate and I got colds and he dropped off medicine and checked on his every couple of hours. We got medical insurance, but I didn't need it.
* Safety:	Voyager Europe allowed me to see so much of Europe, but it did so in a way where I always felt safe. We stayed in very nice hotels in excellent neighborhoods. We did not stay in hostels like other study abroad programs.We were provided an orientation in each city and told what to watch out for. The professors and staff provided guidance and really cared about us.
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)	One of my first concerns about Voyager Europe was price, but once you evaluate everything you’re getting, especially the people hosting the program, it is an amazing deal. The director and all of the staff are there to share Europe with us. So much is included with the program and you're always busy.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	You need to budget, Some cities are more expensive than other. Paris is the most expensive.

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	It was so great to be able to practice my Portuguese in Lisbon. I speak Spanish and used it Barcelona and Madrid. I am going to learn French and German and go again next summer.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	no - I am very good at learning languages
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	You should always practice your language. Learn at least a few words including greetings and always try to start conversations in the language of the city you are visiting.

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	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?	Mike Tyler is definitely a character and cares about the experience the students have, trying to make every experience better than the last. I don’t know how he does it but he always manages! professional and cultural activites all the cities we got to learn about
* What could be improved?	nothing - I am going again next year
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	This was my second study abroad program. My first program was approximately 2 months in Brazil. It was one of the best times of my life. As much fun as that program was, Voyager Europe was definitely 10 times better. Honestly, it would be unfair to compare. The Voyager Europe experience included so much more and had so many different activities it made the study abroad experience complete.

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Culture of Europe
Course Department:
Instructor:	Dr. Charles
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I took the Culture of Europe Course. It is amazing how much I learned and how integrated all the activities were with the course.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Credits transferred to my university.