Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A place where failure leads to the most rewarding successes. Past Review

By (Theatre, University of Montevallo) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

National Theater Institute: NTI Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I don't have to be perfect all the time. I learned that my failures should not define but should be springboards to greater knowledge. I had to get out of my own way and then I was able to absorb, learn, and truly change.

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.

We began warm-ups everyday at 7am and then we went to classes or worked on labs until 10pm that night. 7 days a week. They pus you to really get out of your comfort zone and try new things often. I would say the tools you gain are innumerable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration were always around offering feedback and pushing you to do your best. People you think you wouldn't have interaction with wanted to get to know you and were excited about you being there. It was a warm environment that invited you taking the Risks that they want to see form you.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had my own room, but it was awesome living in a dorm style cottage that was a short walk from everything that we wanted to do.

* Food:

During my time we went through about 3 chefs. One was on the way out one didn't last and then Andy came in and was awesome. But the Kale SO MUCH KALE! But you always were fed well and could go back for more.

* 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)

Everything was taken care of for and the only time you ever had to budget was the time in London but they gave you ample money to get everything you would possibly need.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $0

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The Classes
  • The Teachers
  • The Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How hard it was truly going to be. Nothing can really prepare you for what you will encounter when you go to the program you have to experience it.

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 Adventurer
The 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.