Forum-Nexus: The Best Choice for Multi-Country Study Abroad Programs Past Review

By (Finance, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There's a concept Forum-Nexus stressed the entire trip: "IQ". International Quotient. Taking this trip has sparked my interest in traveling domestically and internationally. I refuse to go more than 3 months without taking a trip more than 200 miles away from my home. I am obssessed with seeing new things, learning more, experiencing life changing moments.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically speaking, Forum-Nexus provided a challenging curriculum that allowed students to learn at a steady pace. The specific city in which we were studying at the time was often mentioned in the classroom, whether it was regarding culture, language, history, or politics. All the information in class was relevant to our current travels and future livelihood.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Forum-Nexus is a tightly knit organization. The faculty is open to all channels of communication while remaining extremely responsive. The schedule for the entire trip is basic, yet clear enough to let every student know where they need to be at what time. The program has been in effect for over 20 years so the knowledge these returning instructors hold is invaluable. I participated in Forum-Nexus with about 35 other people in 2009; it has steadily grown since. All my expectations were exceeded as this was my first time traveling abroad by myself.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All throughout the Forum-Nexus program, we stayed in a minimum of 3-Star hotels. Some hotels were 5-Star properties. Roommates were assigned and changed between cities so people can get a chance to know their classmates better. Breakfast was provided daily as well, which was a great time and money saver. The entire program usually ate together before heading out to class each morning. The hotel was central to classes, nightlife, food ditricts, museums, etc.

* Food:

Paella and Tapas in Barca; Pastries in Paris, Pizza and Gelato in Milan, Gyro in Athens. Doner Kebab everywhere! Food was in abundance - I couldn't try everything I wanted to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are going to see the most beautiful cities you've ever seen. Please take advantage of your time abroad and minimize the time you spend in your hotel room. Dance the night away, enjoy breath-taking art in museums, explore vinyards, palaces, beaches, etc. You will have the opportunity to do all this and so much more if you open your eyes to all Europe has to offer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Traveling in such a large group most of the time made me feel much safer than if I had decided to travel Europe alone. The coordinators on the trip were savy when it came to which districts to show more caution. We were briefed in every city we went and saftey tips were also a topic of discussion.

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cities
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack lightly, absorb the culture, dance freely, live wildly, learn continuously.