Beyond the Bucket List: Fulfilling My Dreams and Then Some! Past Review

By (Social Science Teaching, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/12/2014 to 05/26/2014 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 am more confident as a traveler, and I have gained a huge appreciation for international culture. It was completely worthwhile, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

One of our hostels was above a pub. It was fun to be able to go hang out at night, but very irritating when they had live music playing until the early hours of the morning when we were trying to sleep.

* Food:

Group meals were great! Would have liked a group meal in Paris!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We mainly experienced the tourist culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Felt safe and very prepared for possible unsafe situations (ie pickpockets).

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)

This trip is one of the more expensive short term programs, but worth every penny!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look into scholarships and smuggle snacks into your hostel.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Visiting towns in the countryside
  • Spending a lot of time in London
  • Having a lot of free time
* What could be improved?
  • Include tickets to popular attractions
  • Don't get a tour bus when a metro pass will do
  • Plan the trip without a travel agency
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have learned more about Paris before the trip.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!