Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience was amazing! Past Review

By (IBUS, Western Washington University) - abroad from 08/22/2013 to 12/08/2013 with

Aalto University: Greater Helsinki - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was totally worthwhile. I found out so much on my own like how to get a visa for a country, how to travel in different countries, small class sized, profs from all over, and that western can be difficult transferring classes even though you try to prepare.

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?

Health care was easily accessible, but dealing with my international insurance has been difficult afterwards.

* 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? about $150-175 (110-130euros)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • intimate program, you will meet everyone in the program!
* What could be improved?
  • Transferring classes more quickly and efficiently. These 2 schools have been partner schools for a while and it still takes months to get transcripts and classes transferred. Kinda ridiculous how you have to be constantly on them, but it is what it is.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That to get a Finnish visa/residents permit you will have to fly to the Embassy in LA. Western did not help explain anything about the visa process.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.