Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A good learning experience. Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/18/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Portugal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that things don't always turn out the way they are supposed to and you have to improvise and change things depending on the circumstances.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My manager lives in Spain and it was last minute so it was hard for him to get things set up for us, but he did his best.

* 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? No

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)

Transportation and food in Europe is expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make friends that have cars and get invited to dinners.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 600
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with the locals and go out with them frequently.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • people
  • friends
  • travel
* What could be improved?
  • organization
  • contract
  • course contract class requirements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That writing 50+ papers and reading over 1000 pages for my classes was going to be a lot more time consuming than I thought. I also wish I knew that my partner and I were going to have to plan everything or do nothing.

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!