Thumbs Up Past Review

By (Cross Cultural Communication, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/11/2015 to 07/31/2015 with

Summit Global Education: Europe - Study Abroad Tour (Multi-Country)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I drastically improved my knowledge of European culture and history. I did not fully understand how isolationist America was until I came here and learned about crisis that I did not even know existed. The past is more present here in Europe than it is in the United States and that was a hard concept to grasp until I experienced it first hand.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Loved the classes!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The places we visited were welcoming and generally amazing

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

some places didn't have AC, but we bonded over it :)

* Food:

Everywhere had great food! The teachers were very helpful in recommending local restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The language barrier was one of most prominent challenges we had to face when adjusting to new culture. However, all of the classes are in English so you don't need to worry about that.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick right near the beginning of the program and the local doctors were super understanding and even got a translator for me when I couldn't understand them.

* Safety:

I felt safe walking around every city at night except for Budapest.

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)

It is possible to eat cheaply, but my group would splurge on ice cream and desserts. Also, they charge for water- remember that and bring a water bottle when you go out to eat. If you are on a budget then just buy postcards from every city instead of getting a real souvenir.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I'm not quite sure probably 200/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring a water bottle and don't buy that many gifts Look at the menu prices before eating

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 friends I made
  • The beautiful places we saw
  • The ice cream
* What could be improved?
  • The wiki is a bit annoying
  • Nothing else
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The teachers are very relaxed, you can ask them anything and they will be happy to help you, so don't be intimidated. Pack lightly - we travel so you will need to be able to pack up your suitcase and haul it around easily. Be open to new foo and to new experiences. I tried some dishes I didn't normally eat and I loved them; also we went skydiving (and I'm scared of heights) and it was fantastic!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.