Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Human Rights program! July 25, 2025

By (Architecture and Environmental Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/23/2025 to 06/05/2025 with

Wesleyan Advocacy and Community-Based Training (ACTS) for Human Rights (USA)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learnt so much about human rights work and its history. It was definitely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All the professors were so interested in their subjects and very supportive. I liked the balance between theory and practice (the fact-finding simulation and the project trip). Sometimes we weren't able to cover certain material because of time. But apart from that, I adored this program and my professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Incredibly supportive! They clearly cared a lot for our well-being. Our program coordinator even helped us move our stuff from our college to the Wesleyan dorms.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a single room in a house with another friend. It was very close to the Human Rights house (where 2 of our classes were). But it was a little far away from the other academic buildings. It was a cozy small house.

* Food:

As a vegetarian, sometimes it was hard to find healthy options to eat. Most weeks I would eat the same dish 3 or 4 times. But the dining hours were great, I really liked that one dining hall stayed open until midnight.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel very connected to the Wesleyan community, but that was mostly on me. Since this program happened in Connecticut, our staff didn't have any special activities for us to connect with the "local culture".

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I used Wesleyan Health Services for therapy and it was a solid experience. Apart from that, health care was very similar to my college.

* Safety:

I felt mostly safe, but Campus Safety informed that someone tried to break in into other students' houses two different times in the span of the semester.

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)

The expenses were very similar to my previous years at Wellesley.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The professors
  • Project trip
  • Fac-finding trip
* What could be improved?
  • Location
  • Schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying domestically is different than studying abroad, but it still requires effort to create friendships.

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 Linguist
You 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!