I learned a lot about myself and culture, and found it extremely valuable. Past Review
By Kate Martin (Wheaton College, MA) - abroad from 07/27/2017 to 12/04/2017 with
Wheaton College: Thimphu - Wheaton in Bhutan
It was very worthwhile. I learned about how to integrate and appreciate another culture while being out of my comfort zone. I will be able to take the skills I learned into my future.
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. |
The classes at RTC are very easy but the Wheaton classes are rigorous. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The rooms are what I expected. The worst part was the bathrooms because it was hard to get hot water because you have to share a limited amount and it takes time for the water to heat up. |
* Food: |
The food at the mess hall is not good. The food at the cafeteria on campus is average. The food in town is great. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I learned a lot from the Wheaton class about culture. You need to work hard to integrate into the Bhutanese culture on campus but it is possible to integrate at least to some degree. As an international student we do get special treatment which can be unfair and uncomfortable. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The biggest health issue is the dogs on campus. They are aggressive and will/have bitten people including Wheaton students. The nurse on campus is not helpful at all. |
* Safety: |
Thimphu, RTC, and Bhutan is very safe. I always felt safe even walking alone or at night. The biggest safety issue is the dogs on campus. I only ever felt unsafe because of dogs, never because of people or anything else. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I really grew as a person, made great friends, learned a lot about the culture, and had an amazing time. |
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) |
I choose to spend money on food, drinks, transport, and going out. It is very possible to stay on a budget and spend less if need be. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I spent a lot of money because I went out a lot. I spent money on food, drinks, and fun. It is easier to spend less money if you want to. It is up to each student. |
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 |
Everyone speaks English but it was fun to learn the language and try to communicate with friends. |
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? | Beginner |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to your friends |
Other Program Information
* 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? | A better packing list that is more accurate - mostly everything you would need is accessible and you can wear your normal clothing you would wear regularly at home. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Environmental Ethics |
Course Department: | Environmental Management |
Instructor: | Bidisha Chakraborty |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | The class was not interesting, the teacher said rude things, I did not learn anything, and I would not suggest anyone takes this class. |
Credit Transfer Issues: |