Work and Travel -- Best of Both Worlds! Past Review
By Robert M. (McGill University) - abroad from 12/03/2015 to 01/26/2016 with
CareerUp: Internship Placement Program in Southeast Asia
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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* 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 AdventurerThe 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. |