Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An immersive and eye opening look into a wonderful culture. Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/02/2013 with

Loyola University Chicago: Ho Chi Minh City - Study Abroad Vietnam Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time at the Loyola Vietnam Center was the most influential experience of my undergraduate career.

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.

THe Loyola Vietnam Center program provided me with an immersive experience in a rapidly developing SE Asian country. Through Vietnamese cultural partner students and countless excursions though the country, Vietnam now holds a special place in my heart.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Vietnamese and American staff and faculty provide a unique perspective in aspects of the study abroad experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Students live in one of Vietnam's largest and most modern dormitories surrounded by international students eager to share experience and knowledge with Vietnam center participants.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A western clinic is located minutes from the Vietnam Center and provides comprehensive and easily accessible care.

* 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)

Students can easily explore Vietnam and immerse themselves in the local culture for under $100 per week.

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?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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 people
  • The challenging and rewarding culture
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • A more basic Vietnamese course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? *

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.