This was the best culture shock that I wanted. Past Review
By A student (Lewis-Clark State College) - abroad from 08/20/2017 to 05/16/2018 with
National Student Exchange (NSE): New York - SUNY Binghamton
I learned that there is divers communities everywhere around us and to be open to change.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This school is very competitive and tries to hold its standings with Ivy League schools. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was very easy to contact the people you need to get answers. If they don't have the answers, they will point you in the right direction. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was amazing. I got the full university experience. |
| * Food: |
All of the housing communities had their own dining halls and were easily accessible. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
SUNY Binghamton is a very divers school with all cultures. It is a very accepting school and accommodates all religions and cultures. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was very easy to get healthcare when attending this school. There was a facility on campus that you could go to, or there was a hospital right across the road. |
| * Safety: |
The overall safety is a little low. There were two stabbings within a few weeks of each other that left two students dead. The messages from the school were un-assuring and left me wondering. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If you're on a budget, NSE is the best choice. It's easy contact and the time difference isn't drastic. |
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) |
It was very easy. Buses run from campus to malls and stores all the time, so you can save on gas and go shopping. With dining halls there was really no need to leave campus. There was a bowling alley, nature preserve, ping pong and billiards area all in the school and was all very cheap. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Living on campus is a huge bonus, but can also cost a lot. If you like to cook, try to get an apartment community or an apartment off campus so you can save money from required meal plans. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Keep an open mind and make friends with everyone. Be outgoing, so then you can have friends that are available |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
