Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Transformative and Empowering Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/13/2018 to 05/08/2019 with

Spelman College: Atlanta - Domestic Exchange for Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence and clarity in who I am and what my mission is.

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.

I truly felt supported by my professors to excel academically inside and outside the classroom. The classes offered were very unique and I left Spelman being able to apply the knowledge I learned to the real world.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had no problems with the administration that I worked with directly. However, I do know you really have to advocate for yourself to ensure any issues get solved.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied. I can not complain. The visitation policy seemed strict, but that was from my perspective coming from an all women's PWI in the north.

* Food:

Amazing; I've never eaten so well. Atlanta also offers so many food options. Make sure you try out the food trucks at different locations of the AUC.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had no problem integrating with the culture. I felt welcome and at home immediately.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easy and accessible. I visited health services a variety of times while I was at Spelman and I always received great care.

* Safety:

Spelman College has a very secure closed campus. However, the surrounding city and even the other open campuses near Spelman do not have the same security. It is important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, but I never felt unsafe.

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

I needed this experience in ways that I did not realize even when applying to the program. I have a much greater connection with my identity, community, and passions. Studying at an all women's HBCU was the perfect contrast to my home institution. Studying domestically also supported my plans to complete my pre-med prerequisites.

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)

I did not work while I was there and I was fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SAVE. Buy outfits when you get there (it's cheaper). Don't eat out too much. Find a friend with a car to alleviate uber cost. Ask your Morehouse and Clark sibs to swap your meal exchanges for chick fil a or Moes.

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
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Community
  • Culture (food, music, dance)
  • Historical Significance
* What could be improved?
  • Safety
  • Integration of domestic exchange students
  • Class registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew everything in Atlanta is super far. I also wish I knew the impact of advocating for yourself, but I caught on quickly.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Community Psychology
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Lidia Quinones
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was one of the most impactful classes I took at Spelman. This was the first class I had taken during my undergraduate education that incorporated learning from surrounding communities in a way that supported what was being taught in class. I appreciated Professor Quinones' kindness and passion throughout the course.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Psychology of Racism
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Dr. Lovett
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I thoroughly enjoyed this class. I'm grateful that I was able to take a class regarding this subject matter given the field of psychology lacks the perspective of diversity. I enjoyed our assignments. This class made me analyze my own experience in this world in a very useful way.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, please make sure you save all emails with pdf's of syllabi, readings, assignments, projects, etc. If your home institution wants to question the rigor of your classes, you want to have proof to support your claims.