8 Reasons Why I Personally Chose My Study Abroad Program:
I traveled to Ireland, Scotland, England and Spain on a 1o week program by CIS Abroad called the European Experience.
1. Financially
It is really important to make sure that specific Study Abroad programs match a budget that you set beforehand. I found my summer program, and this was a better fit financially and therefore has made me feel more comfortable about paying for it.
2. The comfort
I really wanted to go to Australia originally, but then I started looking into places in Europe. I felt more comfortable with the distance and with the places that I would visit.
3. The classes
Of course this is still a study abroad program, and obviously some classes have to be involved. My original plan was to take classes that would help fulfill my major. However, my summer program had classes that were very appealing and unique, such as lots of Harry Potter, Shakespeare, and others. I was able to take a Spanish class that will cover my language credits as a bonus!
4. The excursions
So this program is very intense. It is a 10 week program where I visit all around Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, and Spain. All of the excursions were places that I would have wanted to go while on a semester program so I knew this was the one for me! What a summer!
5. People
When applying for my program, one of the things I really was looking for was the fact that the people who would be willing to help me. In fact, I could even email them at 10pm at night and not feel guilty, with enthusiastic responses! They were not only amazing in my application process, but my coordinator on site has also been great.
6. Language
I knew that I wanted to go to a country where they spoke English, but I also wanted to experience another language. That is why I chose this program in particular because during the Spain portion of the trip, I will actually be taking a Spanish class for 4 days a week for 6 hours a day. That being said, not only will I explore the country, but also the language!
7. Culture
I wanted to go somewhere that I could experience something different. Obviously in America there are different regions that all have a somewhat different culture. However, the culture in another country is more prominent. I wanted to be able to experience many different cultures at one time.
8. The intensity
One of the things I was looking for would be something that would challenge me and make me go outside of my comfort zone. For example, there has been a lot of hiking and a lot of walking which I am not used to. I also am receiving 15 credits for all the classes I am taking. In fact, my Spanish class is really taking me out of my comfort zone because I don’t have any prior experience speaking Spanish. This is just one of the things that are pushing me to stay positive about the whole experience.
My program isn’t finished yet. I still have a month left in Spain coming up. But I can say from the bottom of my heart this was the best experience I have ever had with travel. I never thought I would have an opportunity like this. So when people tell you that it is life changing to study abroad, it truly is. I won’t forget this experience, ever. I recommend that everyone look into their study abroad program immensely, whether it is an outside company or one through your school. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you want to make sure that you consider all aspects beforehand to choose the program that is right for you!
I traveled to Ireland, Scotland, England and Spain on a 1o week program by CIS Abroad called the European Experience.
1. Financially
It is really important to make sure that specific Study Abroad programs match a budget that you set beforehand. I found my summer program, and this was a better fit financially and therefore has made me feel more comfortable about paying for it.
2. The comfort
I really wanted to go to Australia originally, but then I started looking into places in Europe. I felt more comfortable with the distance and with the places that I would visit.
3. The classes
Of course this is still a study abroad program, and obviously some classes have to be involved. My original plan was to take classes that would help fulfill my major. However, my summer program had classes that were very appealing and unique, such as lots of Harry Potter, Shakespeare, and others. I was able to take a Spanish class that will cover my language credits as a bonus!
4. The excursions
So this program is very intense. It is a 10 week program where I visit all around Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, and Spain. All of the excursions were places that I would have wanted to go while on a semester program so I knew this was the one for me! What a summer!
5. People
When applying for my program, one of the things I really was looking for was the fact that the people who would be willing to help me. In fact, I could even email them at 10pm at night and not feel guilty, with enthusiastic responses! They were not only amazing in my application process, but my coordinator on site has also been great.
6. Language
I knew that I wanted to go to a country where they spoke English, but I also wanted to experience another language. That is why I chose this program in particular because during the Spain portion of the trip, I will actually be taking a Spanish class for 4 days a week for 6 hours a day. That being said, not only will I explore the country, but also the language!
7. Culture
I wanted to go somewhere that I could experience something different. Obviously in America there are different regions that all have a somewhat different culture. However, the culture in another country is more prominent. I wanted to be able to experience many different cultures at one time.
8. The intensity
One of the things I was looking for would be something that would challenge me and make me go outside of my comfort zone. For example, there has been a lot of hiking and a lot of walking which I am not used to. I also am receiving 15 credits for all the classes I am taking. In fact, my Spanish class is really taking me out of my comfort zone because I don’t have any prior experience speaking Spanish. This is just one of the things that are pushing me to stay positive about the whole experience.
My program isn’t finished yet. I still have a month left in Spain coming up. But I can say from the bottom of my heart this was the best experience I have ever had with travel. I never thought I would have an opportunity like this. So when people tell you that it is life changing to study abroad, it truly is. I won’t forget this experience, ever. I recommend that everyone look into their study abroad program immensely, whether it is an outside company or one through your school. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you want to make sure that you consider all aspects beforehand to choose the program that is right for you!