Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Looking Forward to My Return Past Review

By (Politics, Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/16/2013 to 05/03/2013 with

Washington Internship Institute: Washington D.C. - Academic Internships

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot from my internship. I was given the chance to learn what working on The Hill means and how living in DC would be (which is where I've always thought I'd end up).

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.

The classes were interesting and I enjoyed the trips that our classes took around DC. But I wouldn't say I was challenged to the same extent that I am at my home institution. Classes only meet once a week. The program is really about your day-to-day life in the internship that you participate in for four days a week.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is made up of a good, core group. The President of WII (Dalhouse) is an amazing guy and truly wants every student to love their stay in DC. If you have any problems grab a hold of him and chat away; he is awesome.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Paramount is an amazing complex and nothing I was expecting to have access to for a semester. It is safe and close to the Metro which gives everyone access to DC. Also was great for hanging out in a large group with a large common area on the top floor.

* Food:

There is soooooo much to eat in DC and so many cultures represented.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am American and it is America so this wasn't much of a challenge.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe. My building was in a very safe area and so was my internship and so was the neighborhood where the classes are located.

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)

Living in DC is about fiscal control. If you are living on a budget,, it is totally possible, but you need to be aware that many friends and colleagues will eat out and you will tag along and have nothing or something small. Eating at home and bringing lunch are things that will help you keep down costs. Also, cultural opportunities are mostly free because of the Smithsonian program.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Estimate: $100/week is a decent average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a weekly pass for the metro if you are traveling a lot. Despite have the SmartTrip system, I spent an easy $30 a week communicating for work, so including weekend traveling on the Metro makes the weekly pass cheaper than the permanent card.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Friends
  • Touring DC
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Class expereince
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I just wish I had more communication with my Study Abroad office.

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!