Program Reviews

When I discovered Fantasy Programs Abroad, I admit I was torn. Do I explore Middle Earth or do I head to a winter wonderland? I chose winter wonderland since elves and dwarves are so passe. I admit I was a little put out when I saw that there was only an option to study at Cair Paravel.

I frankly wanted to live in a world of perpetual winter. Christmas is overrated because you could live every day like it was Christmas and just buy gifts for yourself. Instead, as a snowboarder, I couldn't think of anything better than snow, hills, and the warming drink that the White Witch provides. Since this option was frustratingly removed from my choices, I made do with what I was given.

I learned a fair amount of archery, politics, and riding and conversing with lions. I did like the fact that we had a lot of field trips so that we could explore different areas of the nation.

I went into this internship with a clear expectation of how it would pan out. Boy, was I wrong. All we basically did was make plans to destroy the environment and snicker at Marshall's literature for his daily trips to the bathroom. We didn't spend any time at Macleran's and baby Marvin pretty much took up everybody's free time.

The one perk was trying out each of Barney's moves from the play book each week. Those things are like gold. I guess you can't say I didn't learn anything.

I want nothing more than to go back to Rydell, even if for just another pep rally. My only regret is not getting a hickey from Kenickie.

The end of term carnival was as awesome as I'd hoped it would be. I lived for our spontaneous group outbursts of perfectly choreographed song and dance!

I'm not going to lie, as soon as I saw one of the many documentaries detailing the heroic exploits of Captain Kirk and Mister Spock, I was mad to get into the academy. I heard about how daunting the class load was and wanted to give a study abroad year a try before committing to anything longer term.

I went in a total fangirl and came out with a life purpose. My time here literally changed the course of where I will head in my future. I am now planning to transfer full-time in order to major as a xenolinguist.

My time in this program was tough. They challenged me in ways I didn't even know were possible. However, there were certain groups that worked hard and partied harder. I had never been to any cross-race mixers before and now I find gatherings of only humans to be quite dull.

Remember to read the fine print for the program before you join. If you find yourself squeamish about near-death experiences, this might not be for you.

From the second I walked into Diagon Alley, I felt like I had been given a powerful dose of ever-lasting Amortentia. I nearly swooned in Ollivander's and I literally sleep with my wand. The beauty of this study abroad program is that the orientation starts with the mandatory purchase of classroom essentials before the actual school term so that muggles can ease into this overwhelming world.

The Platform at 9 3/4 is everything you could ever wish for (I even dashed back to the other side so I run through a second time) and the snacks on the snack cart were out of this (muggle) world. I was a little disappointed with the surprisingly uncomfortable seats on the train. I haven't the faintest idea how Professor Lupin could have napped on those rock-hard, sorry-excuse-for-a-cushion seats.

During the Sorting Ceremony, I was placed in Hufflepuff. Unlike a fellow reviewer, I was actually pretty pleased with my selection. Everyone was super friendly and not the least bit arrogant unlike certain houses *cough cough Gryffindor cough cough*

I was incredibly pleased with my academic load which I found challenging but not overwhelming. I wisely steered clear of the History of Magic course and that made a great difference. I know some fellow study abroad cohorts who definitely dabbled in some exorcist spells in an attempt to rid themselves of Professor Binns.

The biggest tip I have is to fake it until you make it. This is especially the case for the Divination class. No one ever has to know that you lied about the shape of your tea leaves!

First and foremost, I would like to respectfully disagree with one of the reviews of this program entitled, "Yoda is a jerk". Of all of the various Jedi Masters at the academy, Yoda was actually the kindest and, surprising, the most well-spoken. Clearly the reviewer bought into the surface persona that Yoda projects and did not delve deeper.

My frustration was with the blind stupidity of the other so-called "masters" who were shocked at the fact that the power-hungry Jedi ended up being evil. Seriously?! Come on guys, we all know greed paves the road to the dark side. Let's not be like that architect who built a massive flaw in the Death Star and then hoped no one would notice.

However, Yoda clued into this. He even specifically told Anakin that the "fear of loss is a path to the dark side." Another point for Yoda.

The main reason that I am so attached to Yoda is that he knew the moment I arrived that I would not last in the academy. Looking up to Han Solo as my idol did not prepare me for the mundane aspects of learning to control the Force.

Midway through this year-long study abroad, Yoda took me aside and recommended that I switch programs. He could tell my heart just was not in it and that toughing the year out would just lead me to the dark side. He even submitted my transfer papers and surprised me with a spot on the Millennium Falcon.

He knew that my heart's desire was to return to the experiences of episode 4 (the TRUE episode 1) and leave a situation that had fast become my Jar Jar Binks.

Rivendell was my number one choice for my fantasy study abroad year. Who in their right mind would not want to be surrounded by gorgeous beings who are not ageist? Plus, Rivendell is by turns a delightful forest and a tropical paradise filled with waterfalls. I got the best of both worlds and I was able to expand my horticulturalist knowledge.

The highlights were language immersion, lessons in Elvish architecture, and nightly poetry recitations featuring the estimable Bilbo Baggins. Their library was beyond compare and I cannot even begin to convey how mind-blowing it was to take equestrian lessons with Glorfindel. Plus, watching Elrond flood the River Bruinen was pretty spectacular.

The main drawback of the program was frankly how aloof the Rivendell elves could be. I understand that they are beings of immense age, knowledge, and beauty, but there was no call for them to be so formal all the time. It made it a little hard to cut loose and enjoy myself, as I heard others did during their time at the Hobbiton site.

They also had a disconcerting habit of falling silent and staring intently at each other. I presume their were communicating telepathically but, honestly, it just looked like an impromptu staring contest.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the elves and you cannot beat the price of the program. All they needed was for my life to be in mortal danger so that they could rescue me and give me succor. I just had to put myself in the way of some ringwraiths near Rivendell et voila!

Can't say enough good things about my semester with Cats Abroad. I learned so much about my feline friends and have such a deep respect for them. A highlight of the program was jumping off buildings and landing on all fours - it was so scary but fun! I'm so glad they let me bring my cat along too. I can't imagine going more than four hours without patting my sweet Sophie on the head.

Written by Mitch

When I submitted my location preferences, I asked for: 1) Minas Tirith 2) Lorien 3) Hobbiton. They gave me Hobbitton. My 3rd choice! I was forced to eat two breakfasts, two lunches and a 2nd dinner for the entire year. I was the tallest person there all year, which is annoying. Helping someone get the jar down from the top shelf is only fun the first 53 times. Gets old fast.

When I complained to the program staff, they weren't very understanding at all. They wouldn't even CONSIDER moving me.

Other than the above, the program was great. I learned all about Hobbit culture, their farm life, singing and customs. They are wonderful, welcoming people. Even though I probably had 100+ concussions from banging my head on door posts, it was well worth it. In sum, I'd go back to Middle Earth, but would likely insist on a placement more to the east. Even Rohan would have been better in comparison. I know some people complain about all the horses, but I think that would be fun (if a little smelly).

Written by Mitch

My main issue with this program was the lack of a Mordor homestay option. I'm OK with outing myself: I love the dark arts. If someone handed me The One True Ring, I'd put it on and rule the world forever. I'd find them... and in the darkness bind them. I'd be nice to some people.... some people. Sauron isn't even there anymore, so it's NOT that dangerous. I want to see what it's like there! I want to climb to the top of Mount Doom, run across the planes of Gorgoroth and sleep in the palace of Barad-dur. I want to fly on the top of a Nazgul and feel their shrieks coursing through my body. I want to train with an army of Orcs and feel what it's like to be one of them!

I don't make moral and ethical judgments of YOU. I don't know why this program makes those judgments of ME and of MORDOR. Let me find my own path. And if that path takes me through the mines of Moria and to the tower of Cirith Ungol.... that is MY CHOICE.

I called the Program Office to ask about a Mordor homestay option and the Elven customer service rep was extremely rude to me. I told her I love orcs and I'm proud of it. She wanted to know everything about my background, who my parents are, etc. She sounded very suspicious. When she told me they were going to send a few Elves to interview me in person... I gave them the wrong address. I don't need them looking down on me.

Gandalf and the rest of those Elvish aristocratic, high society, tea drinking, pinky in the air snobs can take their Study Abroad programs and stuff it. I'll find my own way to Mordor. Oh, and I'll be back someday....