Not the Journey I Expected Past Review
By Matthew Koewler (University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 05/15/2017 to 05/24/2017 with
USI: London, Paris, & Amsterdam - Art & Design
I learned how to get around the various cities using public transit and saw a lot of impressive legendary artwork. Totally worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Loved learning how to use public transit. It makes feeling like going back much more possible since I know how to get around. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Most of the negatives of the trip were due to losing critical documents and all money on the first day and not having any cash. Otherwise, it was an incredible experience. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Kindof had to watch my money since I lost all my money on day 1, had to cancel my card, and was unable to retrieve money wire from my parents due to scheduling conflicts/technical problems. I didn't need to borrow much however. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Yes. Spread it throughout your various bags/belongings as soon as you get it converted. Don't keep it all in one place. Keep your credit card/debit card someplace safe and don't lose anything. Write down your bank # in case you need to call and cancel. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were encouraged to at least make an attempt to speak their language, that way they would be more willing to engage with us. |
| 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? | Beginner |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Spread my money around in my belongings to minimize loss; Buy an international phone plan. |
