Change Your Life, ASAP Past Review

By Jim D (Entrepreneurship, University of Dayton) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

As previously stated I am better for it. People in America tend to complain that they had to park too far away from the front door of the Wal-Mart or that Ben and Jerry's stopped making their favorite flavor of ice cream. If we all could see just how good we have things I think we would be a more appreciative people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	If every American student was required to study abroad for a month this world would be a much different, and better place. It was truly a life changing experience for me personally.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Total cultural immersion was the biggest strength and the biggest weakness was that my program was only for 1 month as opposed to the current 3.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Never did we feel unsafe. The housing was very nice and we were always treated warmly.
* Food:	I loved trying new things. Minus the potato chips that had expired in the 1990's.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	As I said this experience honestly made me the man I am today. I have a much broader understanding and sensitivity to the world around me.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Plenty of excellent healthcare options, though no one ever needed to use them.
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)