I was scared but I went anyway and was so happy I did. Past Review
By Emma Marcou (Wheaton College, IL) - abroad from 07/26/2017 to 12/04/2017 with
Wheaton College: Thimphu - Wheaton in Bhutan
I've learned more about myself and how I want to focus my degree back at Wheaton. Even in general, I've had experiences that have helped me figure out what I want in a career and what types of people I want to surround myself with.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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: |
The food at the mess isn't always good but there is a cafe on campus which offers a variety of food and it is easy to go into town (about a 20 minute drive) for a variety of food options as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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
I've fallen in love with this country and enjoyed the friendships I've made. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Usually I would spend about 25 dollars per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say don't be afraid to bargain with taxi drivers. They try and charge you more because you're a foreigner. Once you know what the fair price is, definitely ask them for it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | I would say talking with taxi drivers, your Bhutanese roommates, and other Bhutanese friends as well as using it when you go shopping in town are good ways to practice. |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring long sleeve shirts! |
