Past Review
By Ryan J (Economic Policy, SUNY - Binghamton) for
SUNY Binghamton: Utrecht - Study Abroad at University College Utrecht
While being in Europe was a lot of fun, the errors by Binghamton caused me a lot of unnecessary hassle and financial strain. Academically, it was a mistake to go. However, I learned a lot about myself and foreign cultures.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
One professor gave me a very hard time and graded me unfairly |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were helpful and available. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment wasn't great. <br /><br /> The apartment wasn't that good and I would have looked elsewhere if I had seen it beforehand |
| * Food: |
I didn't know how to cook |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was a fun experience. Carnival and traveling were great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt less safe than at home. Crime rate was high. I had two bikes stolen. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent approximately 80 euro per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make the most of your trip. Don't be afraid to spend money, but be careful not to run out. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English |
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?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't do it. It goes until July even though Binghamton said it went until late May. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Analysis of Competitiveness and Innovation Policy |
| Course Department: | ECB2Inte |
| Instructor: | Erik Stam |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The professor gave me failing grades on very well written essays. On a large group report, my grade was lower than the other students in my group. I did not deserve to fail with the quality of work and understanding of the material that I demonstrated. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
