Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Dive Through Paradise Past Review

By (Colorado College) - abroad from 06/15/2016 to 07/07/2016 with

Broadreach: Program at Sea - Fiji Advanced Scuba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really got a feel for how people live in other parts of the world and what the Fijian culture is really like. This trip was absolutely worth my while and I am so incredibly thankful that I got to go on it.

Personal Information

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.

Overall, this course wasn't too educationally rigorous, aside from the intensive SCUBA training we underwent in order to become advanced open water and rescue diver certified. These courses were definitely manageable and quite enjoyable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The hosts were so welcoming and accommodating, I have never met a more welcoming group of people in my life.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in some very fun locations, and while there were a few bugs every now and then, there was really nothing to complain about.

* Food:

I am a vegan and the whole trip it was incredibly easy for me to find food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were able to live in a village and learn their traditions and take part in their ceremonies and learn about their daily lives, it was such an immersive experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a pretty deep cut on my foot and my instructors were very helpful and made sure it healed properly.

* Safety:

I never felt endangered at any point on the trip.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I cannot even begin to explain how much my trip to Fiji means to me. I met some of the most incredible people, both from Fiji and from all over the US/Canada, and we were able to experience a new country together as a family. Our instructors were unbelievably intelligent and experienced, all of the locals we met treated us so kindly, and the island of Fiji and it's reefs are unlike any I've, or anyone on my trip, has ever seen. I would recommend this trip to anyone that's even slightly interested.

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)

Almost everything was provided for us.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $10

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends I made
  • My dive experience
  • The Beqa Shark Dive
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would never want to leave Fiji and I'd miss it everyday.

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.