Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A tiny glimpse of every aspect of the Indian Himalaya Past Review

By (Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/24/2012 to 11/04/2012 with

Wildlands Studies: Nepal Project - Habitat Conservation and Mountain Ecosystems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I learned that there is so so so much to learn about this world of ours, culturally, ecologically, historically, geologically etc.

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.

* 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:

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? The program was all-inclusive, so maybe $10 a week for snacks and such
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For travelling on my own before/after the program, I wish I'd formulated a budget ahead of time and paid more attention to sticking to that goal.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Trekking, camping, campfires and the people in the class and supporting us (professor, TA, guides, cooks, pony guys)
  • I learned so much about so many topics, both formally (in lectures) and informally (on hikes or simply through observation)
* What could be improved?
  • I wish it was longer, or we could have spent more time in each place/studying each topic...but then we wouldn't have covered as much so I can't complain. It's simply a trade off.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think I can safely assume that it's better to travel/study abroad solo. My only regret (or rather, aspect of my journey about which my feelings are mixed) is having taken my boyfriend along.