Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

time of my life Past Review

By (Managerial Economics, Bentley University) - abroad from 09/08/2012 to 12/23/2012 with

University of Vienna: Vienna - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot, mainly because i was dropped on my head. by knowing nothing i was forced to figure things out. i really got to know the city (mainly by getting lost) but i know and love it. i dont think there can be anything i cannot handle now.

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.

my microeconomics course was not taught well and I ended up dropping the course. i felt like i was teaching myself the material instead of being taught. Teacher was unhelpful

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The OK program was great, but sometimes things were a bit messy and unorganized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wasnt told that i had to be at the dorm before 12pm or i couldnt get my key. luckily i arrived but my friend from bentley slept on my floor for two days because of this. we were given a bathroom, and fridge, but no cups, pans etc. i also did not know where or what a grocery store was and i did not have anything to cook it with if i did find it.

* Food:

i was poorly prepared. as i said before i wasnt given pots, pans, plates, or even a fork. i also did not know where or how to get somewhere to buy them. i was not told where a grocery store was and had to figure everything out by myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

by the end of the trip i loved the culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

i had strep throat and found my own doctor through the embassy. but he was very nice and helpful and the pharmacy/ insurance policys were easy to follow.

* Safety:

never felt unsafe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? i was terrible at saving money.

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

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? Business German 1B
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? Just keep talking. even if u mess up people will appreciate the effort and try to help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • city
  • people
  • travel
* What could be improved?
  • preparation
  • dorms
  • food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i wish i knew about the grading transfer. they transfer horribly while gpa is not a concept that is acknowladged by the school. teachers make up their grading scales so its not uniform. (some teachers have 98-100 as a 1, others have 90-100) they dont make sense and can greatly impact your gpa.

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.