Best experience I have ever had! Past Review

By (Technology Engineering Education, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 06/29/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Ytabo - Engineering and Technology Teaching and Professional Development with Students and Teachers in the Dominican Republic Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a life understanding of what it takes to be happy. It changed my life forever.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: NA
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Truly the best experience I ever had. Only wish is that we could have spent more time with the students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Better than I ever expected!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish I knew Spanish so I could have interacted more.

* 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? 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)

We made many sacrifices in order to have this experience, all worth it.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save lots and save early

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

Knowing the language was essential to teaching effectively.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4th level college ASL
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? start early

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • the people
  • what the people taught me
  • mangos
* What could be improved?
  • preparation
  • curriculum prep before leaving
  • clarity on what to do/not do before leaving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? NA