Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Truly a learning experience. Past Review

By (Music., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 03/19/2013 with

Syracuse University: Strasbourg - Syracuse University in Strasbourg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that you can never be too careful.

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.

I was not able to complete the courses, but I found them interesting with a reasonable amount of work per day. They were fairly easy, with a good amount of resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The collective staff was very helpful. But the director of my program was more helpful at times than others.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a convenient area with a nice woman and comfortable living quarters.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was not there long enough to fully integrate but I'd say I was doing well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program was very helpful in assisting with my health concerns, but the options I was given for taking care of myself were not pleasing.

* Safety:

I felt mostly safe up until the point at which I was assaulted and chased down a street near my home-stay. Safety advice for future students would be trust your gut, and always take the more public route i.e. the tram or bus over walking alone at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 wasn't incredibly hard but it wasn't incredibly easy. I had to really watch my funds for food, travel and other expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Atleast 90 euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries if you can. It will save you a lot of money. Going out to eat every night is not good for expenses. Save that for weekends.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Frequent encouragement from my host mother and professors.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? An intermediate-advanced course. 1004 was the course number at the university.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Start conversations with host family members, make a pact with your program friends to speak the language in increasing increments of time.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Interaction with international students.
  • The aesthetic of the city.
  • The culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Encouragement for all students to pursue the internship that interests them, not the one they are best qualified for.
  • Safety talks.
  • Variety in the classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had researched the programs before picking this one. I kind of just saw this one and liked it, but I didn't compare it too anything else or really look anywhere else. I also know now that extra precautions must be taken in a foreign country. Always be aware of your surroundings.

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 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.