Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life adventure you don't want to miss. Past Review

By (De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde) - abroad from 09/11/2011 to 01/12/2012 with

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management: Study Abroad in Dubai, UAE!

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being independent. It is worthwhile because in every decision you make you have to be sure, because with one wrong move you are on your own. Your family is far from you and you will only depend on yourself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

The accommodation is great. All the stuff that you will need is provided already.

* Food:

Food are very expensive if you will not by from grocery and cook it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Students just have to abide by the rules and regulation stated by the school and host country. There was one instant that I was called off by a police officer because I was walking at 4 am in the morning coming from my graveyard shift at madinat they just ask why I was walking that time and where I would go.

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

Yes but with changes especially with having to balance your time to your studies and having your ojt at the hotel or restaurant your are assigned at.

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)

Prepared foods, convinent store food are very expensive. You can save if you would buy your own ingredients and make your own. Of course it is very tedious task you have to balance your classes and OJT.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10,000 php
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Used your school discount card it's a privelage. Buy only what you need and save your money. You could also try having a side job offered by the school and have extra money and earn experience.

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

I don't used the Mandarin language course I took even though I have finish the program.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Choose a language course that you are very interested with. Know whether you will used it for your future.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 other students
  • OJT in hotels outlets
* What could be improved?
  • Time allotted for class
  • Time alloted for OJT
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I have to balance myself between classes and my OJT. I was hard that time because you are tired from work but you syill have to study for your classes in the morning next day.

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 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!