Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Production Design Intern Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/02/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

Study Away and Internship Programs in New York City

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained/learned the ability to work in a very unstructured environment and how to retrofit my skill set in the real world. You may think an architect is only valuable behind a computer, but there are many areas where planning, spatial layout, and design can be used. Due to the experience I gained in NYC, I was about to land a job in my field one month after returning home.

Review Photos

EiAbroad: New York City - Internship Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Macomb Community College
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.

I never imaged my experience being at fulfilling as it turned out to be. I was challenged not just professional, but socially. Being in a different in

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They did a great job to make us feel welcome and connected to the city, and the surround areas; Newport, RI; Boston, MA.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Staying in a one bedroom apartment on the upper east side of Manhattan, my housing was amazing!

* Food:

I stayed alive, its food everywhere.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I never imaged my experience being at fulfilling as it turned out to be. I was challenged not just professional, but socially. Being in a different city with different people, really allowed me to judge myself and my beliefs. You never really know what you believe until you are in an environment that test and challenges everything, you think you are. Somethings I noticed about myself where rooted in self-condemnation and guilt, while other things where rooted in goodness and virtue.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a health related issue.

* Safety:

I was nervous at first, but the city is very safe, even at night.

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)

I was being supported from home, but I didn't take to many liberties expense wise. I did well, and enjoy myself.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75 -$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do your best to save and meet the deadlines! Keep a line of communication with you and your host! Let them know when/if your struggling. My host worked with me through my financial difficulties.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Social/Cultural Immersion in the city of NY
  • Autonomy/Individuality in work experiences; everybody had a different experience.
  • Other students in the program were fun to hang with for program events and excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Program legitimacy prior to program
  • Listing on the BBB
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known there was nothing to be afraid of.