Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experiencing Bhutan! Past Review

By (Wheaton College, IL) - abroad from 07/28/2017 to 12/04/2017 with

Wheaton College: Thimphu - Wheaton in Bhutan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was worthwhile. I was able to get a sense of what it would be like to live abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a family form Canada and the wife used to be a nurse. She was helpful as an initial contact and in telling us if we needed to go to the hospital (I did not have to).

* Safety:

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

I love the diversity of people I met both bhutanese and other international students and getting to know them as well as exploring Thimphu and other pats of Bhutan.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating on campus at RTC is a good way to save money.

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

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? High school for two years
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 encourage future participants to speak the language in town even though most people will speak english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • the people
  • the culture
  • the structure
* What could be improved?
  • While the structure and planned trips were nice it would have also been nice to have more time to go on hike/ trecks without feeling/ knowing you were missing something.
  • It could also be nice if other international students could sometimes join our day trips.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you can wear regular/ western clothing. People in Bhutan do not always way the traditional dress.

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.