Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Four months that completely changed my view on the US and of myself. Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/25/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

The Swedish Program: Stockholm, Sweden

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. Getting to take classes about the US healthcare and justice system from a welfare state perspective was shocking and worthwhile. Living in an egalitarian society has also completely reshaped the way I will allow myself to be treated in the US. We have a lot to learn. A lot.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

* Food:

* 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

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)

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? Yes, they speak English, but try and use your Swedish. Especially at the grocery stores. Change your facebook and iphone settings to swedish. Change your computer settings to Swedish. Immerse yourself.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Contact Family
  • Sweden
  • The Program
* What could be improved?
  • Even more integration with SSE
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That re-rentry would be so hard.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Crime and Punishment in the US and Sweden
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Jonas Brodin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Yes. No. Absolutely. More, again, this professor was amazing. Papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Europe and the World Economy

Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Pehr-Johan Norbäck
Instruction Language:
Comments: Exactly like macro-theory
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Healthcare in the US and Sweden
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Jonas Brodin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Absolutely. No field trips. He was extremely knowledgeable. I participated more, most inspiring political science teacher I have ever had. Papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Swedish

Course Department: Language
Instructor: Eva Panova Löfstedt
Instruction Language: Swedish
Comments: Extremely. No field trips. Absolutely. Equally. Exams and homework. She is a fabulous teacher, so enthusiastic and very fair.
Credit Transfer Issues: