The best decision I have ever made! Past Review

By (Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 06/25/2017 to 07/30/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much international experience as well as such an appreciation for cultural differences. The classes were interesting, relevant, and put me ahead on my track to graduation. The staff members are so intelligent, fun, and help make you feel safe / comfortable transitioning into an international setting. There is so much time to balance social activities with studies. I was able to explore the night life in each town, go on independent excursions, and bond with other students in the program. I left this trip with an entire new network of best friends (many of which I still keep in daily contact with) and I feel more excited than ever to continue traveling and expanding my cultural intelligence. There are scholarships available so take advantage of them and go abroad with Forum-Nexus, you will not regret it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professors are extremely knowledgeable and relatable. They have so much international experience and relate the material to the things you're seeing every day.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in 4 and 5 star hotels and chose our room mates!

* Food:

Free breakfast buffets at the hotels!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were given plenty of free time to explore the night life, get to know other students on the program, and get exposed to new cultures.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a nurse for the program on the trip who was always prepared with medication and a first aid kit.

* Safety:

Forum Nexus staff kept us well informed on how to stay safe as well has having precautions in place to keep us all accounted for.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Forum-Nexus was the best decision I have ever made. This program is so unique in that there is something for everyone. There are courses available for all majors, and there are destinations that will captivate everyone’s tastes. Whether you are a lover of the busy city streets or a quiet small town in the mountains, you will see it all.

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)

You can spend as much or as little as you want on this trip. Some students treat themselves to fancy dinners out, others (like myself) pocketed fruit from the free breakfast buffets and bought premade sandwiches from the train stations for dinner. It can be done!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Forum-Nexus offers several scholarships!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Getting to see multiple places
  • Cultural immersion / education
  • Making friends
* What could be improved?
  • Longer sessions!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get to know people as soon as you get there! They will become your best friends, you will cry when you have to leave them and wish you had more time with them!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.