once in a lifetime Past Review

By (Applied Economics., University of California - Riverside) - abroad from 08/10/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

Maastricht University: Maastricht - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to travel by myself often. This was a once in a lifetime adventure.

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.

The course work was absolutely different from my home university and thus it was harder to know where I stand in a course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Guesthouse was located very conveniently near supermarket and easily accessible. Cleaning was a hassle though.

* Food:

The simplest food such as salami and cheese was tasty. There was also a very filling pancakes and turkish food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people were very friendly and helpful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Try not to be outside by yourself at night but even if your out by yourself at night from a late class overall the city is pretty safe.

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)

With budgeting and shopping around when looking for transportation, living on a student's budget is manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30euros per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to buy to much food at one time.

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? 0

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • being able to travel around while studying
  • meeting many international students
* What could be improved?
  • course work information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have like to know how to study in a PBL system school. Also that some American credit cards are not accepted. The grocery stores do not like it when you hand them a 100Euro bill.

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.'