Studying abroad allowed me to create memories that will last a lifetime! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/17/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in England and Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being abroad taught me get out of my comfort zone and experience the culture of another country. Talking to the locals was one of the best part of the trips. They enjoy talking to Americans and are willing to explain things that we wouldn't have known by reading a textbook. In Ireland one of the locals told us that we didn't need to leave tips for the bar tenders or waitresses because they are paid a normal hourly wage. Going abroad was by far the best choice I have made during my college career. I would strongly suggest for every student to go abroad!

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 places we visited were filled with stories about the history of the countrys.

* 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?

This was the best part of the trip!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

Staying with a group and being aware of your surroundings are important when studying abroad!

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 had a hard time staying within a budget because there were unpaid expenses that I didn't anticipate.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a budget for everything that you think you want to do/purchase while in the foreign country. Look up prices online and convert into proper currency.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The culture and night life
  • the food
  • the people
* What could be improved?
  • Being able to get to know people before we left for our trip.
  • A realistic budget
  • better packing advice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not all places give you towels to use so pack one to be on the safe side. Pack a watch -- you will use it more than you think. Bring a power strip so mulitple people can charge electronics at the same time.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'