Awesome multi-country experience that will not disappoint! Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering, Clemson University) for

Forum-Nexus: Ultimate Summer in Europe - 9 Cities in 1 Month

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I would not change a thing if I could do it over again. It was the perfect experience to garner exposure to many different cultures, increase international IQ, form friendships with amazing people from different backgrounds, and have a ton of fun.

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.

The workload was intensive enough to challenge us, yet not so overwhelming to detract from us getting the most out of the places we were visiting. The teaching methods were fairly consistent to what I was used to, and the material was very applicable to our daily experiences in different environments and cultures. The professors were very knowledgeable and experiences in their respective fields, and were excellent at helping us understand material by using real examples that we were actually experiencing. Not only were Hugo, Peter Resch, Mike Tyler, and Brian Butler great teachers, but they were also our friends.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was amazing. It taught me cultural intelligence and fully exposed me to countries and environments that I had no knowledge of before. The faculty were well organized and direct in the daily agenda. There was enough structure to provide consistent education and guidance, but we were also given freedom to make the experience our own and explore new places on our own in groups. It was the perfect mix of freedom and structure so that we were constantly exposed to new experiences.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

This was a traveling program, so our living space changed frequently. We spent nights in a variety of places, from hotels to cruise ships to trains. There was a lot of traveling and we were on the move a lot, but there was still a large degree of organization such that we did not feel rushed or anything.

* Food:

We were able to partake in the culinary selection of each of the countries and areas that we visited. Some meals were provided, such as breakfasts in hotels, etc, but we were responsible to venturing out and finding unique restaurants ourselves too. I would suggest getting off the common tourist road and finding small restaurants that have very authentic cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of the students who were part of this program formed very strong bonds with one another. We experienced so many things together and were given the opportunity to get to know each other in many different ways. Students from all over the world participate in this program, and it is awesome to learn about other cultures and people. I ultimately formed friendships with people from many different walks of life. The professors assisted in helping students find some of the best places to visit in various locations, and non-academic structure existed to help us get the most out of every environment.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We visited many places, but the professors and director Hugo always stressed safety. They provided us with emergency contact information and relative supervision.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

We were instructed on the languages of the countries that we visited so that we could effectively communicate in every environment. We were able to brush up on Africaans, French, Catalan, Greek, and more.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural exposure
  • Educational component
  • Professor relationships
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a