An amazing opportunity and beautiful change of scenery! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2019 to 05/09/2019 with

Smithsonian-Mason: Conservation, Biodiversity, and Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about new conservation professional opportunities and made great connections, definitely was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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 was a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore conservation with students equally as interested in the field.

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? Approximately $15

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Being out in the field
  • Networking opportunities
  • Amazing professors
* What could be improved?
  • Class discussions
  • Bonding
  • More weekend field trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to bring my own vehicle. It would have been nice to have as a lot of people tend to go home on weekends.

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.