Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Awesome! May 12, 2021

By (University of Toronto) - abroad from 05/01/2012 to 06/30/2021 with

Masaryk University: Brno - Summer Schools

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
VERY worthwhile. I'd recommend anyone who gets the chance to just go for it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed the experience, the course, and the idea of being part of a university framework that encouraged learning both in the classroom as well as through the lived experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt supported all throughout the program. Martin was especially kind, helpful, and was able to uphold a great balance between academics and fun. He was quite professional and empathetic. To this day, I hold him and the administration of this program in high regards.

* 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

Not only did I get to learn the history of Central Europe in a way that felt immersive, but I also got to meet fellow University of Toronto students whom I might have otherwise not have met. We remain close friends to this day, and the content of the course has also helped me think of other histories in a more nuanced way.

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? $100 a week (including the moments when I splurged)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Welcoming environment
  • Experiential Knowledge
  • Friendships and academic relationships
* What could be improved?
  • Evaluation expectations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how much we were gonna walk. This was a while back (2012) so I am unsure what's new and improved since. BUT bring great shoes!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!