Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Trip to Slovakia! Past Review

By (HISTORY., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/02/2014 to 07/02/2014 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was absolutely amazing. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to go. I got to enjoy a culture, that while very similar to ours, was also very different. This trip was worth every penny, and I would definitely do it again. I'm also glad for the friends I made on the trip.

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.

This trip was absolutely amazing. We met so many wonderful people and new friends, and the class itself was very good. I really enjoyed visiting, and I hope that I will get to return one day!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms we were in were very nice, but the building itself was slightly sketchy. They were doing remodeling at the time, and apparently our lunches were shipped over from the main campus, because due to mold, they weren't allowed to use the cafeteria at the dorm to prepare food. Also, no air conditioning, which is understandable. There isn't any anywhere.

* Food:

The food we enjoyed was amazing! They were simple dishes, often made from potatoes and goat cheese. It was also very inexpensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture was really an enjoyable new experience, but almost everyone spoke English, and there was English everywhere you looked, so that was a little downside, though helpful when ordering food.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, personally, but those on the trip who got sick were able to find medicine easily, though you have to get a lot of things over the counter that you don't in the US. There weren't any vaccines needed for this trip.

* Safety:

Bratislava felt very safe, and we were never afraid to be out at night or be alone.

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)

Everything is very cheap in Slovakia! In other places, like Vienna, things were priced a little higher than non-tourist areas.

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?
  • The freedom!
  • Having Slovak students with us.
* What could be improved?
  • Not much! It was great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how grueling it is to be on a plane for ten hours. That was awful.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.