Study Abroad in Poland was Life Changing! Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/29/2012 to 06/19/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Poland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much from this trip, it helped me not only learn about the Polish people and their culture, but it also forced me to look at myself and America and learn more about my own culture. It was a life changing experience and it was so worthwhile.

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 loved this class, it was challenging, but the course load was nicely balanced with day trips around Krakow

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Prof. Sadkowiski was amazing, he was informative and kind to us, and he was very helpful throughout the trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our doors were newly remodeled and very modern and comfortable.

* Food:

All of the food I ate in Poland was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We didn't exacly fit in, but we went during the Euro 2012 so we weren't the only tourists.

* 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

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)

Shopping was a problem

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
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? Don't go shopping very often, and buy all your souveniers at once time so you don't end up buying more and more each day. Also try to stop at the markets to get food instead of eating out everynight.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Speaking with a Holocaust Survivor
  • Climbing a Mountain
  • Krakow
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of the day trips
  • More Polish before the trip started
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it would have been really helpful to try to learn more Polish before going.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'