Best experience of my life Past Review

By (Business, California Lutheran University) - abroad from 05/19/2015 to 06/09/2015 with

International Business Seminars: Summer Europe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a lot more independent and had to face problems on my own from metro difficulties to making sure I was awake on time each day for the business meetings. I gained perspective on other cultures and how good we have things in the states. I was even able to learn a lot about other states and get to know some great people. It was definitely worth it.

Review Photos

International Business Seminars / IBS Summer Europe: Undergraduate Business Seminar Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Summer Europe: Undergraduate Business Seminar Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Summer Europe: Undergraduate Business Seminar Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Summer Europe: Undergraduate Business Seminar Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Summer Europe: Undergraduate Business Seminar Photo

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?

* Food:

It would have been nice to have more meals included for the price we paid.

* 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)

It was extremely expensive to eat and keep up with the group.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up at least a year in advance. I would budget about $2,000 for a 3 week/1 month trip to spend on food, going out, group outings, incidentals, cabs, tips, souveneirs, shopping, extreme activities, and drinks.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 variety of countries
  • The opportunity to meet life-long friends
  • The structure of the trip
* What could be improved?
  • Confirming the itinerary
  • Including more meals
  • Rescuing travel time to countries
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You're going to use a lot more money than you think and you'll need cash rather than just having a card. Everything costs money, from water to bread at restaurants. Learn simple phrases in each language. Pack a lot of clothes from going out to casual to business. You will wear two to three outfits a day. Bring summer and winter clothes because the climates change drastically from beach to snow. Take really good notes.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.