Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I love my country, but this gave me the desire to continue exploring Past Review

By (Film/Cinema/Video Studies., University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 05/04/2013 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There is a sense of maturity that falls upon someone who studies abroad on their own. Based on where I came from I always believed I could adapt to any culture, and after this experience I was proven to be right. I was on my own, and don't get me wrong, I would have loved to go with friends, but in all honestly I think someone is better off breaking away from their comfort zone, and in order to fully do it, it has to be done on its own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I cannot quite remember right now, but depended on where I traveled to.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When you get there, you will end up spending a lot more money then you initially thought you were going to, so try and just be cautious of that.

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? Beginner
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? Just a few years in high school
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? No matter where you go in your country, try and speak it to every native. Even if they want to switch to english, try and push through with the foreign language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling constantly
  • A new people and atmosphere
  • The ascetic beauty of where I lived
* What could be improved?
  • Knowing where certain things are, such as my Embassy, hospital, police station, etc.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much money I would end up truly spending, and yes to everything.