Unforgettable Past Review

By (Minnesota State University, Mankato) - abroad from 01/20/2004 to 05/01/2004 with

Study Abroad at SRISA: Accredited Semester - Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned resilience, I learned how to truly love- people and places that touch your heart and last a lifetime.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was the best semester of my entire college career. I learned more in one semester of photography at SRISA than my university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing!!!! So helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my little apartment all the the cats that sat outside:) Oh the memories!

* Food:

The best!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Extremely!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My roommate fell and hit her head and went temporarily blind. Rebecca was there in moments and drove us to the hospital behind the ambulance. She took such great care of us.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was the best decision of my life to go to SRISA. I learned so much not just about art, but about myself!

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Study and make flash cards!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • People
  • Experiences
  • Living situation
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing- it all unfolded as it should and changed my life forever. I can close my eyes right now, 12 years later and I can still see my walk to school and the bread store I stopped at everyday. I can hear Marta as I walk in the door, so adorable and sweet. To this day I have skills not just in the arts, but in traveling and attempting something new that SRISA taught me that will be forever with me! Thank you for the time of my life!

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.