Europe: The Trip of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Kirsten W (Accounting, University of Texas - Arlington) for
Forum-Nexus: Ultimate Summer in Europe - 9 Cities in 1 Month
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. Any opportunity to endulge yourself in another culture is worth it and I took full advantage of it. I met people not only from around the U.S. but also from many different countries like Egypt and China. Visiting different cities throughout Europe opened my eyes to several different cultures and languages that have intrigued me to want to work internationally.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed working with my professor. His teaching style was laid back with a lot of group work and topic discussions. Having a small class allowed us to have in-depth conversations and the workload was the right amount while we traveled throughout Europe. We had two major tests: one midterm, and one final. Each test we completed as a group, which expanded our creativity and knowledge to excel on our short essay answers. Not only did I learn about international accounting but I also expanded my knowledge upon European cultures, which is definitely pertinent to my dream of working internationally. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The strengths of Forum-Nexus is their ability to be flexible and have a back-up plan when problems with traveling situations arise. Hugo was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable about the European countries. I definitely enjoyed the cultural lectures because I believe it is very important for students to learn about different business cultures around the world. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved moving from hotel to hotel and my roommates were amazing. I would not have changed one thing. |
| * Food: |
Food in Europe is amazing and I recommend trying everything and anything to get the full experience! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My favorite cultural event was the pantheon in Greece. We had beautiful weather while in Athens and I enjoyed climbing up the hill to visit the historical ruins. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe within the program. We always stayed together whether it was the large study group or smaller groups of roommates and friends. The cities we visited were all safe, but it was important to stay with another person if you were not familiar with the city. I had an international phone for safety purposes so I would recommend one if you are studying abroad. |
| 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Be completely open-minded. |
