Tell me more:
Business and Politics in the European Union was an amazing traveling and learning experience!
AIFS: Traveling - Business and Politics in the European Union
Program Information
If you can’t decide on one location to study in this summer, maybe you’d like to go to six or seven? Study in London, Paris, Brussels, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Prague and Berlin.
4-week comprehensive introduction to the European Union for business, finance, marketing and political science students
| Provider: | AIFS |
| Location(s): | Traveling, Multi-Region |
| Year Founded: | 1964 |
| Website | Take me there! |
Review By:
Tyler S. (Political Science and International Studies, Iowa State University) on September 12, 2011
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2011-06-10 |
| * End Date: | 2011-07-05 |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was very manageable but also tested your knowledge pretty extensively. The classroom instruction in was similar to lecture type instruction in the US. It was, however, very beneficial to have the guest speakers and have them share their knowledge and experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was very approachable and accessible with any questions regarding transcripts, excursions, or any suggested activities to do. |
| * Housing: |
It was great to compare the hotels of each city and see what the pros and cons were of each. I would have to say that it was a great mix of really nice hotels and some unexpected situations. However, no hotels were by any means bad. The neighborhoods were all very convenient to get anywhere for food, activities, night life, etc. |
| * Food: |
All meals, except for hotel breakfast, were paid out of pocket. This was one of the top aspects of the trip. To get out there and explore different foods and culture. Get some very interesting restaurant experiences and some fantastic meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The out of classroom trips were amazing. The one that stands out the most was when a small group of us went to the Palace of Versailles, south of Paris. I don't think I will every forget that place. There was plenty of time to see almost anything while in the cities. The afternoons were open for exploring mostly, expect for trips to the Bank of England, European Central Bank, and a few others but those were very interesting to see as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The top advice is to never go out alone. This is especially true at night. It so easy to be distracted. You just need to keep an eye on your belongs and especially your wallet/money. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did Iowa State University prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't back to many clothes. There is a lot of traveling and time on the road so you don't want to be carrying something heavy so much. It is also a good idea to have something to entertain your self on the travel between the cities. Book, Ipod, Computer, etc. |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | It was an absolutely amazing experience that I wish I could relive. It was great to see so many countries in just a month. 4 or 5 different languages and very unique places. |