218 reviews
4.18 / 5 based on 218 reviews
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Brooke B
North Park University, Chicago, USA, Sweden
Language, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Languages
Language of instruction: Swedish
Was learning Swedish a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Swedish
How much did you improve your Swedish?
My level before: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
By living in Sweden, I learned many phrases and words that I may not have studied in the classroom. It was very educational just to go shopping downtown or out to eat with friends. There is nothing that can replace the education and language experience you get by living in the country where that language is spoken. It was also good to know that if I was really having trouble, I could always use English, as most Swedes speak that as a second language. Most of my language frustration occurred in the classroom where the instruction was more advanced than I was ready for.
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Brooke B
North Park University, Chicago, USA, Sweden
Language, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
Groceries and nightlife expenses cost a little more in Sweden than they do in the US. The phone bills were higher there because I was calling internationally.
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Overall, Food, Telephone, Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Travel, Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Be prepared to pay a (US)$500 deposit in order to get phone service in your home/apartment. That large deposit is required for international customers and is returned when you close your account and all bills are paid.
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Brooke B
North Park University, Chicago, USA, Sweden
Language, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
The course I was enrolled in was designed for students with 1-2 years of previous Swedish language instruction. I had only one year of experience and was shocked when I learned that all of the other international students taking the course had more than 4 years of experience. I found that it was a more advanced course than I was ready for, so I recommend you have at least 3 years of experience behind you before you sign up. The experience would have been much more educational if I had been at the same level of my peers.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Unfortunately, I was accidentily left off of the email messages sent to the international students regarding activities and events planned for us. So, during my stay, I missed out of many fun events that would have given me many more opportunities to interact with the other international students and local students. Therefore, I suggest that if you study abroad anywhere, make sure you find out if there are activities planned for international students. And if there are, attend them! Also, as stated above, I would suggest you have at least 3 years of language instruction before attending this program.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Brooke B
North Park University, Chicago, USA, Sweden
Language, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Overall
I wish I had known...
As mentioned before, I wish I would have known that it was a much more advanced course than I was ready for.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
The school is good and the people are nice, but I wish there was a little more academic structure and follow-ups for international students. I often felt like no one was keeping track of me.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
My overall experience abroad was great. However, most of my education and activities occurred off campus. Had I been better prepared for this course, I know I would have learned much more in the classroom. I can't stress language preparation enough.
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Brooke B
North Park University, Chicago, USA, Sweden
Language, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
The best cafe in Vasteras is Cafe Granden. It has the warmest atmosphere and the best food. There is always a steady flow of people stopping in for a meal or just a cup of coffee with friends. It's a great spot!!!!
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Brooke B
North Park University, Chicago, USA, Sweden
Language, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
If I could, I would live in the same student apartment building as I did before. I found the independence to be very educational and I met wonderful people and gained valuable friendships.
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Personal comments
The student building I lived in was one of 3 apartment style communities my host university placed international students. 12 people lived on each floor and had their own room, balcony and bathroom. We all shared a kitchen/TV room and a laundry room. Living there and meeting so many great people was really the highlight of my study abroad experience.
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