Work and Travel -- Best of Both Worlds! Past Review

By (McGill University) - abroad from 12/03/2015 to 01/26/2016 with

CareerUp: Internship Placement Program in Southeast Asia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained some knowledge and professional skills that I can put on my CV and strengthen my future employment prospects. I also made a lot of new connections and friends who I continue to keep in touch with to this day.

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.

I worked on market feasibility and financial modeling assignments which were applied towards real projects. I learned a ton throughout this process and was able to work directly the Finance Leader of the company.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

From the time I arrived to the airport, to settling in during the arrival weekend, to on-going support of staff after the internship started, the coordinators made themselves available every step of the way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at the Gramercy Residences, which is one of the newest Skyrises in the city, located close to the central business district. Had access to great facilities (pool, gym, spa).

* Food:

I tried to eat as much local cuisine as I could, although if I needed a break, the area I lived in had international food available everywhere.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As a first time traveler, I experienced a big culture shock when I arrived. Everything was different from what I'm used to back home. Although I think SKP did a great job with the educational orientation process they put intern through during arrival weekend. Very informative and useful information.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I came down with a stomach flu during my stay in Manila, and their staff was very supportive. I called them to let them know I wasn't feeling well and might need to visit the hospital, and they came and accompanied me to the hospital right away.

* Safety:

Like any city in the world, Manila has good parts and bad parts of town. The coordinators did a great job explaining the city landscape and safety during the orientation process, so I personally never had any issues regarding safety.

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

This was honestly a dream arrangement for me. I was doing something productive by completing the internship, but at the same time I had to travel to new places and immerse myself in an entirely new culture.

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)

Manila is a place where you can spend a lot of money by eating out at nice restaurants all the time, or you can spend very cheaply if you're cost conscious such as myself. I generally ate out with the other interns 2-3 times a week but all other meals I prepared at home and was able to save a lot of money that way.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? There were days where I would spend less than 5-10 USD a day. If I wanted to spend money, often times I could rack up a bill of 20 USD for a nice meal or drinks at the bar
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The accommodation includes a personal kitchen. Use it if you are super cost conscious. There are also a lot of cheap food options available.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Making new friends & connections
  • Great internship experience
  • Traveling to the beaches!
* What could be improved?
  • Temperature can get really hot in Asia
  • Including a beach trip as part of the program (everyone goes)
  • Local cuisine isn't vegan friendly!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had coordinated a little more with my supervisor prior to arriving to brush up on certain skills. She accommodated my level of knowledge well, and had I prepared a little better before hand I might have been able to receive higher-value tasks.

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.