Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most intense abroad experience ever Past Review

By (BS Business Administration - Accounting, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/06/2012 to 07/20/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Cambodia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about asia. I also learned what extreme poverty looks like. I learned a lot about Buddhism and Ancient Khmer history. I chose the program because it fulfilled specific graduation requirements. I do the program again for fun, but I am glad I went.

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 found the coursework to be very extensive. Much of the time I did not have the opportunity to experience Cambodia because I was doing reading for my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was really rough for me. My host family knew nothing of sanitation. They served me food that had been sitting out for days. I ended up getting amebic dysentery twice. I also found a tarantula in my bed one night.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the hospital twice. Both times I went the international hospitals were very professional. The program was great in knowing the location of the hospitals and taking me immediately when there was a problem.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. I never went out at night late by myself and never put myself in high risk scenarios. I heard stories of crime and things being unsafe. However, I never witnessed a crime or even felt uncomfortable while I was there.

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)

I had to eat out all the time which got expensive. 5-10 dollars a meal and three meals a day.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
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? There are a lot of fun things to do in Cambodia that are not allowed in the States such as firing RPGs and additional travel within Asia. I would bring as much money as possible and enhance the experience.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No language
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The homestay is a great way to learn the language. My host mother did not speak English and I found myself in scenarios where I had to know the language or be a talented pantomime

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 staff and professors were excellent
  • Everything was cheap
* What could be improved?
  • The homestay situation
  • Initial entry to the country and prevention of illness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cambodians dress more formally than Americans. There were times I need long pants and shirts and did not have them. I would also expect to go to the hospital at least once with some sort of parasite or stomach bug on this trip.