Great school, Great culture, Great people Past Review

By (Corporate Communications, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/17/2014 with

University of Tampere: Tampere - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned time management, how to be more independent and use my resources.

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.

The academic environment was independent and challenging.Tampere did not have many resources such as the Writing center. But overall, the professors care about all of the students education and provided their services to any one who needed them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very organized and professional.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room was clean and neat.

* Food:

Lunch always provided healthy food menus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like i got accustomed to the culture that i blended in well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very accessible, free of service, and timely. Did not experience any harmful health issues. Yes, I had to get a vaccine.

* Safety:

Very safe and secure

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)

1

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 50-60 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes! Please create an expense budget and know the currency (money) conversions.

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

Frequently we received emails that offered language courses.

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? I worked on Spanish 2 online
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? Speak it with friends that are native to that language.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Cruiseships/travels
  • food
  • friends i met
* What could be improved?
  • the limited resources
  • better tutors
  • late financial aid release
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know how to better budget because Europe money is more than US dollars.

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!