A Curated Miniature Backing Adventure through Western Europe Past Review
By Drew W (University of Texas - Dallas) - abroad from 07/01/2014 to 08/01/2014 with
Forum-Nexus: Ultimate Summer in Europe - 9 Cities in 1 Month
Being abroad opens your eyes to a culture and very points that are different that what you would consider the norm.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program integrates a cultural educational aspect that aims to introduce basic information regarding geography, cultural differences, and current events. In my opinion, this was the most valuable and applicable portion and the easiest to apply. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It is easy to spend beyond your means while on any trip. In Europe, it is easy to miscalculate the dollar value because you're using euros. However, if you stick to a budget, you can easily maintain it while having the time of your life. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Stay out of touristy areas to reasonably priced meals. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The staff goes through basic phrases that would be helpful in each country. It is highly encouraged to interact with people and expand your horizons. Make an attempt in the host language and the people will tend to be more accommodating. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Minor in French |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Most people will tend to default to English when they hear you fluently speak English. Make an attempt in their language and struggle. Only resort to English as a last resort. Laugh at your mistakes and most importantly, be polite. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Although the optional weekend trips were amazing, it takes away from fully immersing into that particular country. If there is a place that you're okay with not seeing, then go on a weekend trip. But I would not recommend going somewhere every weekend. First, it is exhausting. Two, it gets expensive. And finally, you have to forgo exploring one place for another. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
