Invaluable adventure! Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) - abroad from 08/03/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Ho Chi Minh City - Semester in Vietnam

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the most enlightening experience I've ever had. I gained insight into two new cultures as well as a region of the world I new nothing about. I learned a lot about myself too, putting myself in situations (good and slightly uncomfortable) that I had never thought about before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

Uniloft was awesome housing experience in Thailand, and living with a host family in Vietnam was a great experience.

* Food:

Best food I've ever had!!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

learning and intergerating into a new culture is always a little awkward, but nothing to fear! It's a new perspective you will take with you for the rest of your life!

* 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

in a heartbeat, no questions about it

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)

Southeast Asia is very friendly to the student budget. Everything is much less than in the United States or Europe.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30-40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live and Eat like the locals!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? none
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? get out and try to use it in any situation you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • in-country staff
  • excursion & cultural events
  • environmentally conscious
* What could be improved?
  • ISEAA communication with TEAN
  • Importing grades faster
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Ladies should bring clothes that are comfortable for the back of motorbikes!

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.