Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great Program in Scandinavia Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/21/2017 to 01/03/2017 with

Uppsala University: Uppsala - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience made me even more independent than the two years I've already spent at college. I also got much better at solving problems.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My advisor at Uppsala, Stephanie Noroozy, was very helpful and responsive, but it took some effort to get enrolled in the courses I wanted.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were some issues with plumbing in my apartment but overall the housing was affordable, comfortable, and well-located.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people were always friendly, almost everyone spoke excellent English when my Swedish was not sufficient, and the buddy program run by the University was very helpful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Uppsala, like most of Sweden, is a very safe city. I was frequently out late at night and did not feel uncomfortable.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook your own food, even if all you can make is pasta and potatoes. Going out to eat in Sweden is almost always expensive. Make sure to eat fruit and vegetables.

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

My Swedish classes were entirely in Swedish and the professors encouraged me to read Swedish newspapers and watch Swedish TV.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Accelerated Second-Year Swedish
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? Push yourself to speak the language outside of class, even if everyone around you can speak English.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Challenging classes
  • University culture and traditions
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the host university and UT
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want to be social and make a lot of new friends early on, live in the student dorms. The apartments outside Uppsala are cozy and inexpensive, but getting into town can be a chore, especially when it get colder.

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!