I loved the Capstone in London and Paris and would 100% recommend it!!! Past Review

By (SOCIAL SCIENCES., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/11/2013 to 05/25/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in London and Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had never left the country before this experience, and it exposed me to history and culture that you just cannot find in the U.S. I saw places that I had read about in history books and got to experience European life in a fun and interesting way. I loved every single day and it was worth every penny!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The London hostel was terrible, but everywhere else we stayed at was nice.

* 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:

I felt very safe at all times in England and London, but Paris was sketchy at times. Students caught people reaching into their bags/purses and one girl even got her phone stolen. People also would come up to you and harass you and try to tie things on your wrist. In Paris, keep your guard up and be extra cautious of your belongings.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When buying souvenirs, look at a few shops to judge prices. A lot of the times, the same item will be in 5 different shops and you can find a lower price.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

In Paris, none of us really knew French. We were encouraged to use some phrases, but other than that we used other means of communication, such as pointing.

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? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • London was by far the best part of the trip. Everything about it.
  • Eiffel Tower at Night
  • Stonehenge
* What could be improved?
  • The London hostel was terrible.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light!! You do not use half of the clothes you pack.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.