Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a once in a lifetime expereince that I'll never forget! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/12/2014 to 06/05/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: UNI Capstone in Four Countries

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how hard it is to go into another country and try to communicate. I now understand how it is for a person to come to the United States and struggle to communicate to simply order food. It was an eye opener.

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?

Everywhere we stayed the hosts were so welcoming and helped make it feel like home .

* Food:

The food was great! There were a few times when I wasn't sure about trying things, but it was all apart of the experience!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

For the most part I felt safe everywhere we were. We were advised to use caution in areas, but as long as you were aware of your surroundings it was fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Before the trip they had said we would only have to pay for a few meals while in Romania, but we ended up having to pay for all our meals except a few. They also said meals were less than 10 American dollars, but by the time you order your drinks, which water was not for free, it ended up being way more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to try foods, but pay attention to prices. Some foods are so much money per pound and since many menus are in other languages, ask before you order.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Having free days in Romania.
  • Beach activities in Greece
  • The outreach program in Romanina
* What could be improved?
  • More days in London and Hungary.
  • Longer layovers in each airport
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much money each activity that was pre planned was. There were many activities I was glad I got to do, but some where repetitive and when I found out prices I was upset that I had to spend money on it.

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.