Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Really good! Past Review

By (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/04/2019 to 04/26/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile! I learned a lot about the place and gained a valuable perspective about the country and the region.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend planning a budget before going abroad. At my Loyola orientation, I was told not to worry about money. Even though food and other costs were a lot cheaper in Vietnam then they are in the US, I still ended up having to be pretty strict about what I spent -- especially including travel.

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? Beginner
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? The best thing was to just practice using the language whenever it is possible, and to speak the language when ordering food, going places, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked how holistic it was.
* What could be improved?
  • It could be a little more organized and have more supporting staff so the staff wouldn't be too overwhelmed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been more thoughtful about budgeting.