Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An exploration of historical monuments and modern culture August 29, 2022

By (Psychology, Berea College) - abroad from 06/17/2022 to 07/14/2022 with

KIIS: Berlin & Barcelona (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about how to be adaptable, and it's so eye opening to see how other people live.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you have access to a kitchen, use it! It will save you money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN 200
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Start early!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • We were given a lot of independence and room to explore
  • The classes
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • The way covid cases were handled
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that buying an international phone plan through my provider would actually only make it possible to make international calls in the US, because I was without cell service the entire trip. When you're looking into international plans, read the fine print.

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!