Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Traveling the World Past Review

By (Management Information Systems, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/22/2015 to 06/03/2015 with

KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My abroad semester was my final semester of university. I had very few class requirements so I focused on traveling. I took advantage of being in Europe for an extended amount of time by making frequent trips to other countries. In my final two months, I only had class on Wednesday so I would fly out from Thursday to Tuesday. Many people wish they had the opportunity to travel the world and I feel I had that opportunity and time this semester. I spent 25 combined days traveling solo during my time abroad and I have become more independent, confident, and flexible. I have become much faster on my feet and creating improvised plans. I could not think of a better way for me to spend my semester.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My courses were largely project based. I did not have a single exam during my semester. This was a refreshing change from my previous experience at my home university. I had more opportunities to learn from my peers and be creative as opposed to rote memorization and test taking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was not lucky enough to receive Campus Lappis housing, which was only 2 metro stops away from school. I ended up with housing that was much further - 50 minutes away from campus and more expensive. It is important to note that housing in Stockholm is an incredibly difficult market and many European exchange students had no housing for the first two weeks and were left to find their own housing until their rooms were ready. Overseas students were accommodated from the first day.

* Food:

Food was not a relevant part of the program experience. The host country program did not manage food for students. Food was easy to come by. Almost every metro stop had a grocery store.

* 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)

Sweden is rather expensive. However, it's quite reasonable by cooking at home. Eating out is quite rare because restaurants are very expensive.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If possible, cut your own hair. Haircuts are very expensive. Pack lunches and reheat them at school. There are microwaves all around campus.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Stockholm is a beautiful city. Especially during summer.
  • My peers were exceptionally capable in English.
  • Classes were varied and had interesting topics
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to have lived in a more convenient location.
  • I would have liked more opportunities and events for international students during the semester.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had done more research about debit card and credit card fees and programs before going on my 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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'