Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The trip was an extrodinary event for me. Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering/Business, Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/01/2012 to 08/23/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Traveling - Business Marketing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about history, art, and culture from the museums. I have a better understanding and interest that I did not have before. Several of the appointments were geared toward retail, from those I learned name brand recognition. From the business appointments I got a better knowledge of trending, brands and advertising. The trip was diverse and included a variety of events. Other than I got tired of the clothes retail I was attentive and enjoyed myself. I feel the trip was well worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: NA
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Program has some educational aspescts and had personal time allocated-- nice balance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Breakfasts got old but otherwise the meals that were provided were not bad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Mixed a little, glad it was not to intense for communication purposes.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues.

* Safety:

I had no issues.

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)

Europe was expensive but I expected that.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead and over budget.

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

Letty gave lots of encouragement for communication purposes.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Start studying as soon as your know your going abroad, get a partner to study and practice with.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Sight seeing historical locations and museums.
  • Interaction with other students.
  • Bath, Verasilles, and the bus tours of the cities.
* What could be improved?
  • Not so many retail appointments, more business.
  • Bus passes were a hassle, often not working.
  • Having students that went with the intentions of learning verses playing, not taking it seriously.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the exchange rate process.