I loved my time in Lisboa! Past Review

By (Loras College) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/23/2013 with

University Institute of Lisbon / ISCTE-IUL: Lisbon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It gave perspective on the affluence of the United States even relative to other developed countries, such as Portugal and Spain.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were generally very easy and undisciplined with widespread cheating. The lecture material was usually very interesting though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I met almost all my friends through the residence I lived in.

* Food:

I almost always cooked for myself. Groceries were pretty cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Portuguese culture was generally very similar to that of the US.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any experiences with healthcare.

* Safety:

I never felt genuinely threatened. Occasionally I would feel uncomfortable if walking by myself late at night, but the fact that I did it to begin with and never had any issues should attest to the safety of the city.

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)

I was basically dirt poor the whole semester and got by fine. I maintained a budget of $170/month and was still able to go to bars, bakeries, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $170/month
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The last two months I didn't purchase a Metro pass and walked to school every day. This saved me 35 euro/month.

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 wish there had been more opportunities to practice Portuguese.

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? An entry-level Portuguese class.
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? In Portugal it was very hard to find opportunities, as almost everyone in the country under age 40 is fluent in English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Making European friends
  • Exploring the city
* What could be improved?
  • Trips/outings organized by Loras would have been cool
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How relaxed the classes would be.

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 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.