Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best 14 Weeks I Ever Spent Past Review

By (Drama, Ithaca College) - abroad from 09/11/2014 to 12/11/2011 with

National Theater Institute: NTI Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself as a theatre artist in this short period of time then I thought possible. The intensity of the program pushes you to lean into the things that scare you and continue to learn. I learned how to be a better collaborator, a listener, an observer, and communicator. I discovered passions and skills I didn't know I had. To this day I am still learning from the lessons given by my teachers and mentors. This program focuses on doing and gaining experience through your trials and errors. You will be on your feet most of the day, exploring and creating. My theatre toolbox is overflowing.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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

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? $10.00

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Rigor
  • Passion
  • You must be courageous
* What could be improved?
  • Alumni involvment
  • Marketing (at that time)
  • Apparel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I knew exactly what I needed to know. Nothing can prepare you for the semester that you will experience, and it would not be helpful to have excess information about the specifics of the curriculum.

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!