Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing and Indescribable Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 01/19/2013 with

Uppsala University: Uppsala - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friends from all around the world, and multiple cultures. I gained a love for other viewpoints and an open mine. I have a yearning to travel and experience other cultures. I gained some of my best friends who I still talk to everyday. I learned more about myself and they type of person I am and want to be.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Wish I had chosen one of the closer to campus options, but still had a wonderful experience, very diverse and multicultural.

* Food:

Grocery stores very close, and convenient, have to make all food yourself or go out, both options are fairly expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Got very involved with the Student Nations which allowed for me to learn and experience many Swedish cultures.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have a bacterial infection, it was very easy to go to the doctors office and get a diagnosis and prescription, I only needed my passport. Also I was easily able to go to a vaccination facility and recieve vaccinations I needed for a trip right after my semester abroad, and again get a prescription for Malaria medicine in needed for the trip as well. They also informed me to save all receipts (the doctors office was quite expensive) and that I could should most likely be able to get a refund from my health insurance company back home. Also the student health care through the University was very helpful and provided many services.

* Safety:

Extremely safe, could walk around at all hours by yourself and feel safe. In Sweden they seem to follow a strict code of ethics, and I was NEVER afraid of anything getting stolen or myself being harmed.

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)

Everything was extremely expensive over there, thought I also did a lot of spending on clothes and shoes. But still food and toiletries were pricey. This being said, I still saved money since the exchange waived the tuition.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy sale items, buy raw ingredients and cook your own food. Work at the student nations (not only gains a little income, but also you get free food and drinks with each shift).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The student nations
  • Living in Swedish culture
  • Living in an extremely international city like Uppsala
* What could be improved?
  • Available for a year progam
  • More transferable courses
  • Transferable education courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More details about the housing options

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.