Absolutely amazing. Past Review
By David Clark (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/20/2018 to 05/12/2019 with
Syracuse University: Strasbourg - Syracuse University in Strasbourg
Of course it was worthwhile. I met all of my goals for myself and for my studies and exceeded all of my expectations for this year abroad. I grew so much as a person...it would be impossible to list all of the ways in which I've benefited from this year.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did not take any classes at the Syracuse Center (except for my internship and the obligatory European Identity Tour), but instead did direct enrollment at the Université de Strasbourg. The class quality at the Université was wonderful, but absolutely a very French sort of experience (which took some flexibility and adaptability). Overall, I'm very happy with my experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Oh, everyone was WONDERFUL. The staff was wonderful, especially Dr. Mary Boyington. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with the most wonderful, charming, elegant, caring, and delightful host mother that could possibly exist. |
| * Food: |
Dinners with host families 5 days a week, breakfast 7 days a week, and lunch on your own. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I absolutely immersed myself into Strasbourg, but in order to do so, you have to get out there and make it happen. It's better to do a full year than a semester if this is your goal. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4000-level advanced literature special topics classes |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | - Bring your hobbies and interests with you, and find ways to connect to others through them (bring your instrument, dance shoes, sports gear, etc.) - Reach out for emotional and psychological help. It's hard as hell going abroad and even if it's not severe, it's better to talk about it. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou 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! |
