Eye opening program that emerges students in education as well as the experience Past Review

By (University of Kentucky) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 11/01/2017 with

Swan Valley Connections: Landscape and Livelihood

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program taught far beyond a traditional classroom setting. Although I learned the typical material, I also learned what it meant to be a part of a progressive community and how to work daily with those around you to improve or protect the place you live. Most importantly, this program really showed me how to apply the knowledge I have gained through school in many different ways and the significant impacts it may have on a place.

Review Photos

Swan Valley Connections: Landscape and Livelihood Photo Swan Valley Connections: Landscape and Livelihood Photo Swan Valley Connections: Landscape and Livelihood Photo Swan Valley Connections: Landscape and Livelihood Photo Swan Valley Connections: Landscape and Livelihood Photo

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?

Only thing to recommend (reinforce) is maybe something comfortable to sleep on as well as the mattress.

* Food:

Fresh food every single day from the garden!

* 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

Simply put, I have never learned so much in such a short period of time without a single textbook or while having as much fun as I did. I am confident I could experience this program again and still continue to grow.

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)

No expenses outside of tuition other than personal spending.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Nothing that was necessary, 5$-30$ on personal items

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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 sense of community and place
  • The people I had the opportunity to interact with each day
  • The hands on style of learning
* What could be improved?
  • Extending program length incorporating more free time
  • Alternating class times
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Although not required, students often choose to spend much of their free time in town or off the property. Make sure to bring enough day to day clothes to be comfortable.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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!