Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An adventure who's memories I will always remember Past Review

By (PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES., Northwestern 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?
What I gain and learned on this trip can not fit into this small space. This experience has informed the way that I want to live my life. It has changed the way that I view things. I has given me a perspective that I would have never found.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is not like any other, the learning is not done primary in the classroom. This semester does not have a lot of academic requirement and would be less than a regular college experience but the amount of learning that happens outside the class boosts the learning far above regular classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Janelle and Felipe Silva are the greatest couple to have as administrators. They were constantly in support of us throughout this semester and guided us in a way that allowed for us to experience the richness of Romanian culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I spent half the semester with a host family. They were possibly the best part of my trip to Romania.

* Food:

All the food that I ate while there was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lupeni is a small enough city and the semester focuses on meeting actual Romanian people that I felt apart of the culture. I was able to attend a wedding, experience family life through my host family, and join in everyday life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Lupeni is a safe place to be. There never seem to be many problems with the people and city of Lupeni. It is the same with all experiences away from home, though, as there are dangers in being a visitor in any new place. One must take precautions in there habits in the new place.

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)

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate
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? While in Romania, try to practice talking Romanian with those around you as much as possible. A English-Romanian dictionary is a must.

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?
  • The host family experience
  • The outdoor adventure
  • The Romanian culture
* What could be improved?
  • It was difficult to manage class with the experiences we had.
  • Having one class at a time versus all together.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about Romania culture.

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.'