Program Reviews

Wanting to live in London had always been a dream, and being able to accomplish this dream has been unreal. Now, there were a couple of minor details that I did not care for such as having the room directly above the kebab shop. It may have kept my room nice and toasty, but for the summer, that was not exactly what I was looking for. Granted, at the end of the program, I did try the kebabs that had haunted me my entire program, and they were delicious. If only I did not despise their location.

The location of the dorm however was excellent. I had the opportunity to not only walk to class, but also to many places in the city. London, I have learned, is huge. On days that did not seem the best, I went for a walk along the Thames and was able to clear my head. It was nice to just watch everyone pass by and go on with their day and not be so focused on myself. The air might not have been the cleanest, but being outside was always refreshing.

I really enjoyed my time abroad with KEI. While there I took two business courses, along with a 20 credit hour intensive-Chinese language course. It consisted of grammar, listening, and speaking. I was able to improve my Chinese language ability greatly. While there we went on two weekend excursions to Xi'An, Nanjing, and Shanghai. We also had weekly Saturday activities where we would visit various sites around Beijing. I was able to become friends with other international students while in Beijing. I still keep in touch with a few of the people that I became friends with while I was there.

Going abroad was an experience that changed my life. I am now able to communicate effectively and efficiently in two languages. It also helped me to understand how other international students feel while they are in the USA. I really enjoyed my experience, and I would definitely do it all over again if I was given the opportunity to do so.

I, along with people in the program, felt very much on our own during most of the experience. Our onsite director was difficult to get a hold of and there was a lot of confusion with our dorm passes and extending our visas.
That being said, Russia is gorgeous. Moscow is an incredible city. The difficulties you may experience with the language brings you closer with the people in your group. When I went I didn't know any Russian, but I survived no problem.

Karibu Tanzania or Welcome to Tanzania encompasses the welcoming and friendly cultural of Tanzania. Tanzanians take greetings very seriously and can last for several minutes. Being able to greet people in Swahili will take you a long way.
One of the most important skills to consider when coming to Tanzania is flexibility and adaptability. Nothing will work in the way you expect it to, and are used to in the United States.

The on-site coordinator was very a very valuable resource to all those in the program.She stayed in touch with all the student throughout our stay in Thailand offering advice on everything from how to utilize public transport to what foods we might enjoy trying. The KEI program secured the students conveniently located apartment style housing within walking distance to Mahidol University International College, the institution where we studied. The commute to and from school was stress free because of the close proximity. There was an initial barrier but we overcame this as many of the students in the program were enrolled in a Thai language and Culture class. The hospitality of the Thai people, and our own curiosity accelerated our assimilation of the Thai language and culture. Our weeks consisted of no more than four days of classes with most Thursdays and Fridays free to explore Bangkok and its surroundings. The on site coordinator arranged various excursions throughout our stay in Thailand. Some of these included trips to the Island of Kho Samet, a tour of Bangkok and a visit of the Grand Palace, a trip to ChiangMai, and many more. We were also offered the opportunity to volunteer and take part in community service projects during our stay.

The program was exciting! Our on site director Daniele was the best! She was very enthustiastic about the French language and culture. When she took us on excursions she was passionate and knowledgable. Learning the use of the metro and buses was relatively simple. The school is located right next to the river and is a great place to eat lunch or work on homework. Overall, one the the BEST experiences. Can not wait to go abroad again!!!

Before arriving in Dublin, I had zero exposure to foreign countries. I was scared and intimidated. However, the support that KEI provided upon my arrival was unparalleled, and I would not have adapted as quickly without my on-site director. The most influential thing I came back to my home university with was self-confidence. Traveling and meeting new people provided me with a confidence that I can take into my career and other components of my life. Because of my study abroad experience, I now have a clear path for my career, and I hope to help other study abroad students have the same experience I had.

The view is very pretty and the University is close to many buildings of parlaments and central london. Some difficulties have been picking classes and making them transfer back to my college back in the States. Most days I have class for 3-5 hours and then I travel around the town exploring. Everything is very expensive but if you budget well and limit the amount of times eating out you should be fine. Overall I am really enjoying the experience.