No better way to see Asia Past Review

By (Accounting, University of Dayton) for

Marist College: Traveling - Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In order to succeed in business you need to be able to identify how you are different and how you are similar to the person you are dealing with (whether customer, supplier, employee or boss). Once you do this you can then bridge the gap and achieve a successful outcome. There is no better classroom than Asia to learn and practice this skill. Although my business is strictly domestic, the baseline skills I acquired while studying abroad help me connect with clients and potential clients on a daily basis. Combine the fact that Asia is a fascinating and enchanting place with the ability to acquire an invaluable intangible skill and ASAP might be the best semester you have.

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.

Teaching method is as on hands on as it gets. Live visits / interviews with business executives, on the fly teaching moments while traveling to witness / discuss cultural differences between Asian / US culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The leader has been to Asia many times and can help highlight cultural differences that at first glance you might not notice. This enriched the experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

When I did the program, we traveled and stayed at hostels, hotels, etc. This kept us close to the local culture.

* Food:

Asian cuisine will never be the same again.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Bartering with locals in a foreign currency, foreign language with a professional negotiator. You can't learn that in a book.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Asia is as safe a place as can be if you keep common sense.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Non-traditional learning environment allowed for more exposure to the places we visited
* What could be improved?
  • Not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You probably studied western civilization in high school, so you could already get the most of a European trip on your own...there is no better way to see Asia.