Amazing Experience to 4 Different Countries Past Review

By (Elementary Education and Literacy, University of Northern Iowa) for

University of Northern Iowa: UNI Capstone in Four Countries

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had such a great time on this trip. I loved seeing a variety of different cultures and interacting with the people from the four countries. It opened my eyes to another part of the world where I saw gorgeous landscapes and interesting foods. I'm so glad I chose this capstone and saw all of the beautiful things each country had to offer.

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.

The workload wasn't bad at all. While in Romania we were in class for five days, gave a presentation with Romanian students, and took a quiz. It wasn't that hard.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought this was a great capstone experience. Our faculty leader knew a lot about the countries we visited because she has been on this trip many times. The program size was not too big and not too little. I was able to get to know everyone who went on the trip. This trip met all of my expectations.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We visited four different countries, so we got to live in many different types of housing. We lived in a hostel in Hungary, a dorm in Romania and a hotel and apartment in Greece. I brought a pillow case and blanket, otherwise everything else is provided for you. I felt very safe at all living places because I never went places alone. It is important to always have a buddy with you.

* Food:

I tried many different foods on this trip. It is important to branch out and try different foods. Some of the foods I didn't like, but I'm glad that I tried all of the different foods provided for us.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on many trips throughout the three weeks and saw many different attractions. I enjoyed seeing Buckingham Palace in England, Mt. Olympus in Katerini, Greece, and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. We also went on many educational field trips which were a lot of fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in all of the countries because we went places as a group a lot of the time. We did have time to go off by ourselves,but I always went with a friend and never traveled alone. I did feel a little scared when we first got to a new country, but I felt a lot more comfortable after a couple of days of getting use to my surroundings.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The 4 Countries Capstone is a great trip that anyone could benefit from. The trip allows you to see four amazing countries in a three week time period. You get to meet amazing new friends, see many different sites, and try amazing new foods. I had a great time on this trip and would love to go back and visit the countries again.