Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of my life that changed me for the better! Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 06/07/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - Art History Europe Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't even list all that I gained/learned from my experience. I gained friends, street skills, self-confidence, independence, etc. It was the most worthwhile thing I've ever done!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This study abroad is amazing! Don't go on this study abroad if all you want to do is explore Europe. You learn about Art History most of the day, and then if there is extra time, you can go explore on your own. The learning experience comes first.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program directors were incredible the whole time! They really gave me a quality experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Most of the hotels we stayed in were nice. There were a few that weren't so nice, but I think that's to be expected anywhere you go.

* Food:

Something to know before you go on this study abroad is that you pay for all of your own food, except occasional group dinners. That adds a lot to the cost of the program. I always tried to eat cheap, but if money is not an issue for you, than you can eat really well!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't ever feel "integrated" with the local culture, because we only stayed in each place for a few days. But I always felt like I got a taste of the culture wherever we were, and that was great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any healthcare experiences while I was on my trip, but I know it was really good for those who did. Before I left on this study abroad, I got the recommended TDAP vaccine.

* Safety:

For the most part I felt very safe. We did have some close calls with pickpocketing in our group, but if you are smart about how you handle your bag, you'll be fine. We also had a few protests in the areas we were during the times we were there, but we were always fine.

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)

Living on a student's budget was a little hard, but I made it work the best I could because I paid for everything myself. Some of the girls in my group didn't even attempt to stay on a student's budget and spent like crazy, but if you need to, it's manageable. You just have to be conscientious and smart with your money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Becoming a family with my group.
  • Being exposed to so many cultures and ideas; learning and seeing so much.
  • Everything.
* What could be improved?
  • More group dinners.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The internet in Europe is fairly unreliable. I would have made sure to get an international plan on my phone so that I could have contacted my family each day and not have to worry about whether or not the internet where I was staying would work so I could send an email to my family.

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!