Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploring Scandinavia Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/21/2017 to 01/11/2018 with

CIEE: Uppsala - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language skills, cultural experience, new friends, and learned to be more independent, so I'd definitely say it was worthwhile.

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

* 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? Yes

I knew I wanted to go to Sweden so this was one of the few programs available and I had a really great time.

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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None, Swedish is not offered at Wellesley

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Excursions
  • Student life in Uppsala
  • Learning Swedish
* What could be improved?
  • Greater integration with the local culture
  • More opportunities for learning the language
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Your luggage might get lost, so make sure to pack the ethernet cable in your carry on! Travelling more earlier in the program would've also been nice.

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!