Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A summer full of adventure and life-changing experiences. BYU in Iasi Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 07/24/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Romania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience abroad was definitely worth it because it changed my life in many different ways and its difficult to summarize all of the things I learned here. I worked closely with children here and I developed strong relationships with them and learned about love. I truly felt love for these children who are alone in this world without families and with various health problems and handicaps. The children are still so happy with the little that they have and I learned to appreciate the small moments that I had with them and was reminded about the things that truly matter in life. I changed my life in ways that I wouldn't have expected and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 100 level
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? Practice having conversations using the language rather than just memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • I loved the opportunity to work with the kids consistently every day in the orphanage and hospital.
  • I loved being able to travel to different areas of Romania while I was here.
* What could be improved?
  • I think fewer culture proofs should be required because in Romania I only wanted to be with my children and out experiencing and exploring the city, not sitting in my apartment writing culture paper after culture paper.
  • I would have liked to learn the language better before coming to Romania, so I wish our language class had prepared us even more.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I knew, but I didn't realize how quickly time would fly by! I wish I wouldn't have pushed anything back and said I would do it later like exploring parts of the city or doing different things for the kids because the day will soon come that the opportunities are now over. So fight the laziness and always be willing to do things and push yourself out of your comfort zone so that you don't have any regrets.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!