"Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, and London - Absolutely Breathtaking" Past Review

By (Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas., Illinois State University) for

Study Abroad Programs across Europe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worth while, I do not think I will experience anything like it ever again.

Review Photos

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Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was very intense but the finished project will be extremely useful for my teaching career in the future.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The strenghts were the amount of places and historical sites in such a limited amount of time. The weakness was that it was sometimes very hard to hear about all the history when on the walking tours, but if I could do it again I most definitely would.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food varied greatly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Rome, London, and Paris were amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety with keeping your belongings safe was mentioned frequently but bed bugs and health were not. I have never traveled out of America and bed bugs never crossed my mind and then I did get them. A horrible allergic reaction and it affected my trip slightly at the end. Still dealing with the bites scars.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 10 euros on each meal for lunch and dinners and breakfasts were paid for already.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I went over with 400 euros and spent it all by the time i got to London and that was over a 15 day period and then two days in London with 60 pounds.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make sure you do not over pack and bring extra bags for gifts you plan on bringing home. Save your money so when you go over there you can get and try everything you want. This will be a once in a lifetime experience so make sure it is worth it in every way.