Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Two life changing weeks on the islands of Tonga! Past Review

By (Southern Utah University) - abroad from 05/02/2017 to 05/17/2017 with

SUU: Communication in Tonga

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a huge appreciation for simplicity and the value of family! It was a life changer. I'm grateful to have seen hospitality and selflessness up so close so I can further implement them into my own life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While not being intense in book work and research study, this trip was incredibly educational on hands on learning and cultural immersion. Which for me is a much better form of learning and education!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved working with the advisors and their personal experience was very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was great staying in a very cultural rich part of To ga and being in the heart of the city.

* Food:

Different flavors and interesting cooking strategies. I enjoyed the adventure of the food more than the actual taste :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was awesome! We were able to spend time with locals, in their homes, their churches and their schools. We got a very broad view of cultural and spent most of our time exploring the island's culture and atmosphere!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This wasn't really applicable on our two week stay

* Safety:

I felt very safe and very respected.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The Polynesian culture fits my family and our lifestyle very well. The weather was awesome and the people were amazing!

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)

Tonga is relatively inexpensive. Easy to buy food, souvenirs etc

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100???
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack food in your luggage for snacks--not only because it saves you money but also just in case you can't find food in the country that you like!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The landscape
  • The chance to observe culture
* What could be improved?
  • Really can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm not a picky eater but I wish I would've had some more familiar food on hand for those nights when you just want some pringles!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.