Past Review

By Matt J (Marketing., The University of Texas at Austin) for

Université catholique de Louvain: Louvain-La-Neuve - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Although there were several difficulties, I am very glad I studied abroad. It was amazing to see the differences between the European system and our own in terms of transportation, politics, social aspects, etc. I really enjoyed the travel and meeting people from all over. I appreciate my life in Austin so much more than I did, but I have also gained the perspective that different isn't better or worse; our system works for us and Europe's for them. That being said, I was embarrassed at my lack of foreign language aptness and that of America as a whole.

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.	The system was much different than at UT; in some classes, this was a good thing, and in others it was a fault. I feel like I came away with a terrific gain in knowledge in understanding from the two classes most relevant to my major, so overall I would consider the semester a success.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Hard to reach, scattered
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Kot Erasmus <br /><br /> Dirty, messy, unsanitary, loud, smelly; the "party dorm" in the worst ways possible. Location was fine.
* Food:	Easy to find whatever you need; differences are easy to adjust to
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The town was not very enjoyable; my best experiences were usually traveling or interacting with people. I did not really enjoy Louvain-la-Neuve. There were a few "field trips" arranged by the local exchange program, but they were poorly organized.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Not a dangerous town.
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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Public transportation costs add up. Food can be more expensive or cheaper than what you are used to, you just have to figure out where to look.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Make sure you will enjoy the city you are studying in.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	International Marketing
Course Department:
Instructor:	Isabelle Schuiling
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Combination of major project, presentation, and in-class participation made for a well-rounded but deeply involved learning experience
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	European Business Cases
Course Department:
Instructor:	Regis Coerduroy
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	A lot of good information; opportunity to learn a lot from this course, but very poorly organized and sometimes difficult to keep up.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Industrial Relations in Europe
Course Department:
Instructor:	Evelyne Leonard
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Good project opportunity to learn about the effects of IR in Europe on specific countries. Not enough broad learning on the subject overall though.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Brand Management
Course Department:
Instructor:	Isabelle Schuiling
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Challenging, but completely organized and well-taught. I would put this course in my top 5 for my college experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Corporate Social Responsibility
Course Department:
Instructor:	Jan Notredame
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Opportunity to get deeply involved with a company's inner workings and develop a relevant solution to a relevant CSR problem. If done right, much experience to be gained from this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: