Life Changing Euro-Trip Past Review

By (Public Relations, University of Houston) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved Forum Nexus so much, I ended up attending 3 sessions over the past 2 years. I went back this past Summer and had just as an amazing time as the 1st time! I was so scared I'd be trying to recreate my last trip but there was no need! This trip had just as amazing people as last trip and unforgettable memories just like the first trip! Certain songs or smells can take me back to a moment overseas! I don't think I could ever get tired of traveling abroad with Forum Nexus! If I could, I'd go every year! Its worth every penny to experience the networks, sights, sounds, knowledge and people!

Review Photos

Forum-Nexus: Multi-Country Summer Program in Europe Photo Forum-Nexus: Multi-Country Summer Program in Europe Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: IQS Barcelona, Catholic University of Milan, American Business School in Paris
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I spent a long time researching what study abroad program was best for me and I found everything I was looking for in Forum Nexus. I wanted to attend a multi-country program with international students that offered a variety of classes taught by outstanding professors. The professional visits is really what made Forum Nexus stand out to me! To this day, I know I will always look back at my time spent studying abroad with Forum Nexus as some of the best times of my life with the most amazing people I have ever met. I made life long friends that I have kept in touch with for over 2 years! I have referred many students from my university and others around Texas and all had no problem transferring the credits and all enjoyed their trips as much as I did! The motto to live by while on Forum Nexus is to work your hardest to play your hardest. Its an amazing feeling to be able to learn in an open minded forum overseas then apply what you've learned at professional visits to internationally prestigious institutions. This program does an phenomenal job of catering to such a diverse group of international students with different backgrounds. The workload is significant but you don't have time to stop and realize it because you're so busy having fun in new cities with new friends. The hardest part about studying abroad with Forum Nexus is trying to explain it to your friends and family when you get back. No words will ever to your experience justice. Its something that has to be personally experienced to be fully understood. I would recommend this program to anyone that is ready to see, smell, taste and experience something new and amazing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Every expectation I had for Forum Nexus was completely surpassed. My study abroad experience was everything I wanted and more. I made such amazing friends abroad, I ended up going back the following year to Europe and Egypt just to reunite with my friends overseas! The Forum Nexus family is so close we continue our own reunions with different sessions from the past and reach out to future students to share our experiences to help make their decision easier. Being a Forum Nexus alum is like being apart of an international family.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All the hotels were up to my expectations and many of them went above and beyond my expectations. All our hotel/resorts were centrally located in safe neighborhoods. The staff is very friendly and patient on transition days from one city to the next. It was really nice having our breakfasts included at every hotel as apart of our tuition. It was very convenient and tasty!

* Food:

All the hotels we stayed at had outstanding breakfasts that accommodated to all types of dietary restrictions! The staff at the hotels were extremely friendly due to the long history they hold with Forum Nexus! The staff also is ready to help recommend great places to eat with friends based on your personal budget!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Words cant explain how absolutely amazing it was for me to spend the 4th of July at the Hard Rock Cafe in Barcelona, then to spend Bastille Day in Paris with all the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower and watch Spain win the world cup in Amsterdam! In between events and class was plenty of time to visit museums/sights like: The Lourve, Anne Frank Huis, Van Gogh Museum, Park Guell, Sex Museum, La Segrada Familia, Las Ramblas, Eiffel Tower, La Fayette Mall and beaches!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Like every city, there are areas that are more safe than others. The program works with the hotel very well to make sure students understand what areas to avoid. I also never saw anyone ever go anywhere alone. Bonds and friendships on the trip are quickly cultivated and groups tend to hang out, eat and study together.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff
  • The Professional Visits
* What could be improved?
  • could use more female staff members
  • could let the students pick which ones they want to attend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Feel free to contact me with any detailed questions! It can be overwhelming trying to book flights, know how much money to take, what to pack!? But best advice is to just do it! Don't let money, people or you keep yourself from experiencing a life changing trip! I have made it a personal goal to educate myself on the world and its people! I want to help others do the same!! Meetrah_05@yahoo.com :)