Taste of Travel Past Review

By (Messiah College) - abroad from 05/22/2019 to 08/01/2019 with

Messiah University: International Business Institute, Worldwide Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Overall, I believe the program gave me a taste of life abroad. I felt as if I was able to better understand how the world works and better understand cultural differences. While the program was definitely worthwhile, I felt as if the program was lacking in strong leadership, and felt as if there were several things that could have been improved upon.

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.

Overall, I had a great educational experience. I felt that each of the courses were pertinent to our travels and our major studies. I definitely feel more knowledgeable about different economies, finance, and marketing. The reason for there not being five stars is because of the global business strategy course. I feel as if I learned little to nothing about strategy with many of the write-ups and quizzes being completely pointless and time-wasting. *To note: we did not really use our books or any other materials beside the internet

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were several instances that the administration and leadership of the program was lacking. The program is not catered towards women - we drove for hours in India without a bathroom stop - or catered towards those with food sensitivities.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the majority of the time, we had good living arrangements. Other times, I felt as if the accommodations were lacking. For example, we stayed in dingy dorm rooms that had shared bathrooms with other students (who were not involved with the IBI program). I felt as if this should have been communicated to us initially.

* Food:

Good meal stipends were provided for meals that were on our own, but for group meals there was a lack of understanding about food insensitivities and intolerances. I did not feel as if my intolerances were fully accommodated - I had to purchase my own food several times or went without eating. So if you have intolerances, be prepared with extra cash and be prepared to go without food on some group meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In some countries I felt as if I was very integrated with the local culture while in others I felt as if I was barely able to be integrated in the culture. This was due to taking courses over IBI, and at some points being unable to venture out due to class time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While the program assistant helped us with various health problems, there were times when we did not have access to proper healthcare.

* Safety:

I never felt as if I was in danger on the program. In fact, I felt extremely comfortable with my surroundings the entire program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would choose to come on IBI again. I felt as if it was a once in a lifetime experience as it showed me how interconnected the world truly is.

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)

A stipend was provided for food, but students do have to pay for any kind of transportation, hospital visits, or outside travel expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work hard, save and invest your money. Be conscious of what you are spending on - little purchases here and there really add up!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Travel
  • Corporate Visits
  • Local Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Leadership
  • Dietary Needs
  • Living Accomodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how to pack for each country and I wish that I would have known to bring extra medication and a mask for China.

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!