Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mind Blowing Past Review

By (Utah State University) - abroad from 05/29/2016 to 06/20/2016 with

Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. I learned that the world is a lot bigger than I thought it was. There are opportunities for business in these foreign markets.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Asia Institute team was absolutely incredible, and she helped make my study abroad experience everything I hoped it would be!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in beautiful hotels.

* Food:

The food was good, but I ate at some interesting restaurants as I traveled.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have enjoyed more opportunities to interact with the local people in Thailand and China. In Vietnam, I felt incredibly integrated with the culture, because I had opportunities to exercise, dance, and speak with people there. We also, however, stayed in Vietnam the longest.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Be careful crossing the street. Scooters will avoid you... for the most part.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

In Southeast Asia, I was immersed in a totally different cultural experience. I was pushed to try new things, step out of my comfort zone, and change my perception. I would go back again and again if I had the opportunity.

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)

Everywhere we traveled was very cheap and affordable on a student's budget. Hong Kong was pricey, but we were only there for a day.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $65
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring cash with you to exchange, and don't take money out of the ATMs. Make sure that the cash you bring 1) is new and 2) is crisp and not torn anywhere. Be aware of the conversion rate, because sometimes you are spending more money than you realize.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Riding elephants
  • Exploring temples/cities/mountains
  • Interacting/Talking with local people
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to interact with locals and/or do a service project of somekind
  • Translator at some business visits
  • More scheduled activities for after visits in the evenings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That in Chinese public restrooms you need to bring your own toilet paper, and that there aren't western toilets.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.