Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything! Past Review

By (none, High School) - abroad from 07/05/2014 to 07/15/2014 with

GLA: Global Leadership Adventures: Volunteer Abroad Experience

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
life. From the unbelievably important work we were doing to the crazy adventurous things we did, I had a great time. We helped build the biggest bottle school in the world, planted hundreds of trees, interacted with the local communities, went zip-lining and cliff jumping into gorgeous waters and so much more. The trip gave me a whole new culture to learn about and experience and it made me reconsider and recognize all the privileges I have every day that seem minuscule but that so many people don't have.

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)

No costs other than that of the program, which isn't cheap but is worth it

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? none

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Cultural Imersions
  • Interacting with locals
  • fun adventures
* What could be improved?
  • diversity of food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would have such a good time! I only did a 10 day trip and looking back, I really wish I had done a longer time.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'