LOVED IT! Past Review
By A student (International Business, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University / Virginia Tech) - abroad from 06/10/2015 to 07/31/2015 with
Summit Global Education: Europe - Study Abroad Tour (Multi-Country)
It was not entirely expected, because I assumed this would be the type of program where my whole day will be planned out for me. This was not the case at all, and was a pleasant surprise for me, if a little alarming at first. However, having this freedom and balance between Summit assigned programs and my own activities that I planned with the friends I made on this program, I found myself completely content with my experience abroad. My only advice is that if you are a complete planner, plan it out yourself! I was perfectly okay going with the flow and so had no problems, but this is not always the case. 10/10 would recommend :)
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Was a little overwhelmed when I lost track of assignments, but you will be fine if you stay on top of things. Small things add up! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I love Barcelona |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All of our housing was amazing!! |
| * Food: |
Yum |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I think we have a brand on our foreheads that we are tourists, which makes it a little hard to blend into local culture. Despite this, we did our best and still had a great time getting to know the residential side of life! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally didn't have any issues. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt like I was in danger, or that our housing was in any scary part of the neighborhood. Obviously, stay smart with your passports, credit cards, and phones. be aware of pickpockets! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 went a little over my budget, but that is the nature of a trip across Europe. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | around $1800 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Every penny counts! Keep in mind how much you want to spend that week and budget yourself accordingly. How much you spend will certainly add up. Also, cook whenever possible. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't over pack. Smaller luggage is key. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
