Four Countries, 26 people, three weeks, and a whole lot of FUN! Past Review

By (Leisure, Youth And Human Services, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/12/2013 to 06/05/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: UNI Capstone in Four Countries

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worth it. I learned about each culture in a way I never would have if I didn't visit. I gained friendship and memories.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Going into the experience, I was not completely knowledgeable on the biological and medical terms we studied while in Romania. I was able to learn a lot more than I would in if I didn't see what I was studying. Studying was fun and interesting. Not only did we learn from the Romain students at the University, they were able to experience a different learning atmosphere than they have experienced before.The classroom setting was relax-full yet overwhelming at times. For me the class would seem a little bit intense, but that is because I didn't know what half of the words thrown at us were. I am not a biology major nor I have studied much in the medical field, but I did find this experience to be very educational and interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked out living arrangements very well. The hostel was stayed at was probably the least satisfy place we had all trip. The dorms within the Universities were awesome and I loved it. Overall we had great places.

* Food:

It was fun and interesting tasting the food in each country. I had a great time experiencing each cultural food. Most of it was very delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated everywhere we went. London was a short time so maybe not so much there, other than that, the other three countries were great. I had a blast getting to know students at the Universities we were able to stay at. They were able to show us around the town/city. In doing so, we learned a lot.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe most everywhere we visited. The students were extremely nice and loved spending time with us, especially in Greece. Future students, always walk with a buddy and if you feel like something is not a good idea, it probably isn't. In Romania, keep your belongings close to you.

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)

We had to buy most meals which was a little costly

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just know you have to buy most meals, generally you can get by with two meals a day or snacking. save money before you go.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • interacting with local students
  • roaming the cities with friends
  • group tours
* What could be improved?
  • time managment at each country
  • more interacting in classroom with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about what to do in each country. What were the main tourist attractions or what are the big things you absolutely have to see/do before leaving.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Four Country Capstone

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Cathy Zeman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I thought this class was a little challenging but in a good way. It provided me knowledge of terms and facts I had yet learned about. The teacher was extremely knowledgeable in what she was talking about. Sometimes it was hard to understand what she was trying to explain and she could have slowed down or reworded a few things but I think we figured everything out eventually. I participated more I believe than I would have in my home institution. I am a very hands on learner and visiting the placed we studied as well as interact with local students was very helpful. Our assignments were very well written out and we new when they were due. The exam was good and not too bad.
Credit Transfer Issues: No I dont believe so