A Broad Abroad Past Review
By J Murphy (Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 08/17/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
Maastricht University: Center for European Studies, Semester Programmes
The experience was incredible and 100% worthwhile. In retrospect, I credit the program for further developing my independence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Problem Based Learning was fun and challenging. I enjoyed the conversational nature of the program and still remember the tasks I learned two years ago. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CES staff is fantastic! It was great to know I had unwavering support and guidance throughout my time in a foreign country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Guest House accommodations were within walking distance of a large grocery store, which made shopping really convenient. I also appreciated the program's cell phones for rent. While I didn't use my international phone too frequently, it really came in handy when I needed it. |
| * Food: |
Stroopwafel, a thin caramel like waffle cookie, and bitterballen, what I think "fried Thanksgiving" would taste like, were two of my favorite foods. #lekker |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I liked taking courses with local students. It was great to hear more about their culture and experience different aspects of it with them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
CES staff were more than happy to help us arrange appointments and navigate the Dutch system. |
| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe walking around Maastricht throughout the day and night. I remember the student guides jokingly telling us that bike thefts were the most common crime. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25-30 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Everyone knew English |
| 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 |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring a portable charger! |
