Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Awesome experience! I wish others had the opportunity Past Review

By (Occupational Therapy, Utica College) - abroad from 11/30/2015 to 12/11/2015 with

Utica College: Occupational Therapy in the Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The people that have the least tend to be the happiest. Everyone was so laid back and welcoming. It was such a humble experience.

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.

I learned so much more from being in the different settings than I do learning about the different techniques used in class. Although the language barrier was difficult, it didn't effect any of the emotional attachments and expressions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Unsure what is being asked here

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As mentioned, the language barrier was complex, but it didn't greatly affect any relationships or educational experience

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Other medications should be recommended for following years.

* Safety:

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)

The amount spent in the Dominican was very reasonable due to 2,000 of it being paid for previously

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

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

If you had the experience it was definitely beneficial

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? College Spanish
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? If you have prior experience, definitely freshen up on it and review basic words prior to going to at least communicate through simple terms

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Our tour guide was great
  • the variety of placements attended
* What could be improved?
  • Living accomodations
  • More sight seeing activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just go with a day to day plan. Know nothing is set in stone and that the experience is different from year to year.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.