Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I am in love with experience I had in Panama Past Review

By (Governors State University) - abroad from 01/04/2019 to 01/10/2019 with

GSU Legal Empowerment Brigade to Panama

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learn to live with the minimum things in my life. I stop shopping and I stop eating outside. I am still doing it and I hope it becomes a lifestyle.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

The housing was clean every day and clean sheets.

* Food:

Food was every day fresh made and delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We had two guys from the border police with us at all times.

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

The experience was phenomenal. I learn so much about the indigenous people. Everyone was helpful and friendly. All the staff was incredible and helpful.

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)

Not easy because I am a full-time student and a part-time job.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school Spanish for 2 years
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The interaction
  • The culture day
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • The bus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was very prepared for everything.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!