Amazing Growing Experience Past Review

By (International Development, Houghton College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/10/2013 with

Northwestern College: Romania Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
During my time I made friends, met people who I hope to be in contact with for the rest of my life, learned so much, did an internship, went to castles, helped at summer camp, backpacked, learned Romanian history and then got to see the places we learned about--it was an amazing experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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? We were given money to buy food, so maybe $10/week for cafes or more if I was buying souvenirs

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Some lived with host families that spoke less English and required more Romanian speaking.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Three years of French in high school
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your host families!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Going on trips around Transylvania with the group
  • Living with my host family
  • All the amazing people
* What could be improved?
  • More language study
  • Knowing schedules more ahead of time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring leather boots! Nobody wears sneakers.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'