Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fun and educational adventure filled with travel, new friendships September 17, 2026

By (California State University - Bakersfield) - abroad from 07/03/2026 to 08/04/2026 with

Forum-Nexus: Ultimate Summer in Europe - 8 Cities in 1 Month

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a deeper understanding of different cultures, learned a lot through my classes and visits, and became more confident exploring new places. It was absolutely worthwhile because I got to travel, meet new people, and learn so much in a short time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Traveling to many different cities and experiencing new cultures.
  • Meeting new people and making lasting friendships.
  • Combining interesting classes with fun activities and professional visits.
* What could be improved?
  • Shorten professional visits that felt too long, especially the Heineken visit.
  • Improve the Paris hotel experience and choose a more convenient location.
  • Allow more free time to explore each city independently.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how fast-paced the schedule would be and how quickly the program would pass. I would have planned my free time more carefully so I could balance the visits, classes, and exploring each city.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.