Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I have seen more than I remember and I remember more than I have seen! Past Review

By (Northern Illinois University) - abroad from 01/01/2017 to 01/12/2017 with

International Business Seminars: Winter Southeast Asia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am originally from Asia(India), I had never thought of exploring my own continent or even imagined that there is so much to see and learn in Asia. I was always more inclined towards exploring the western side. but this trip has given me a new vision and understanding of Asia.

Review Photos

International Business Seminars / IBS Winter Southeast Asia Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Winter Southeast Asia Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Winter Southeast Asia Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Winter Southeast Asia Photo International Business Seminars / IBS Winter Southeast Asia Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent Management by our leaders especially Jia, Joni And Prof. Pawan.

* 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

If the program is repeated by the same leaders or if I am informed about any other program being undertaken by the same set of leaders, I would definitely like to do it.

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 400-500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Carry Cash in USD, it's easy to exchange! Don't rely on credit cards since most places don't have swipe-ins.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn basic phrases, that would help in shopping!

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?
  • Leaders especially how well organized they were for every event.
  • IBS - Helpful, caring and resourceful. Especially the point of contacts, they always kept a check on how the activities are going right from the airport.
  • Guided City tours really helped us in understanding the local culture and history.
* What could be improved?
  • Time frame in Bangkok was really short.
  • The trip should be a little longer and should cover more places that are close by.
  • First day should be free to get rid of jet lag. More free time to explore the city place.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Better understanding on the Visa and immigration for non-american citizens. Currency exchange.

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.