Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This program truly reshaped the way that I conceived of learning. Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/24/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 1)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program helped mold me to approach new situations with curiosity and an open mind, and helped me develop a toolkit for critically examining and comparing urban contexts globally.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 comparative approach - traveling to multiple countries
  • The in-country program coordinator roles - they made the experience really rich/contributed to my learning
  • Learning through experience - the number of field visits/site excursions we did
* What could be improved?
  • Group logistics
  • Academic structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? With traveling/studying with a large group of people for an extended period of time, it's important to take some time for yourself before departing on this intense program (and to continue to make time for yourself throughout).

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.