Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Hills Were Truly Alive Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Berea College) - abroad from 05/24/2013 to 06/27/2013 with

KIIS: Salzburg - Experience Salzburg (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. It truly was. My heart will always have a place for Austria.

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:

But being forced to go out into the city every night to find dinner was ridiculously costly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We didn't even receive a crash course in German. I felt like an American the whole time I was there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I'm not really sure, I didn't have a problem that needed healthcare.

* Safety:

Don't walk around on your own past dark. There will probably be drunk, homeless, or disturbed people walking around, but they are deterred by groups.

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)

I ended up running out of money during the problem and requested an emergency loan so I could eat.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In Salzburg, some of the best places to eat are the Kebap stands and My Indigo. Not only are they cheap (well, cheapER), but they're good. My Indigo is also healthy.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Historical Outings
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Prioritization
  • Language Building
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? German is important in a German-speaking country.

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!