The most amazing two weeks of my life! Past Review

By (Communicative Disorders, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/24/2013 to 06/07/2013 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 learned an incredible amount of knowledge from my trip. Not only academically, but personally too. It was so worthwhile, I wish everyone could study abroad. It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. I am so thankful for the experiences and friendships I made.

Review Photos

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

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.

I really enjoyed that we did most of our academic work prior to and after our trip. It was nice to spend my time abroad exploring and not doing assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I understand there were some booking issues with our trip. Some of the hostels we stayed in were not ideal and I wouldn't choose to stay in them again.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Although it may be difficult, try to budget ahead of time as much as possible. Give yourself the same amount to spend each week, but always have extra in case of emergency.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School, Spanish 3
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? Try to learn the basics, hi, thank you, please, no thanks. Residents appreciate when you at least try.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • Free time to activiy ratio
  • Seeing famous monuments
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Lodging
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think it's important to stress to all students before the trip the importance of having an open mind.

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.