Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A unique program that allows for immersion in the culture. Past Review

By (Northwestern College) - abroad from 08/29/2017 to 12/13/2017 with

Northwestern College: Romania Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more how to be more flexible and be okay with making mistakes. I need to continue working on this, but I really appreciated the semester for pushing me to intentionally work on this.

Review Photos

Northwestern College: Romania Semester Photo Northwestern College: Romania Semester Photo

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

The program is so unique because of the location in a small town away from cities. I love how close you get to people in the community and the emphasis on experiential education.

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? Each week I would maybe spend around $0-$10.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had taken two years of Spanish in high school, but nothing in Romanian.
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? Use it in everyday life, like with host families or people in shops.

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?
  • Experiential Education aspect
  • Living with host families and meeting community members.
* What could be improved?
  • No suggestions currently.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I did not fully realize how much of a difference it would make to really get to know and live along side people makes in how much I ended up loving Romania.

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.