Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Immersion Experience Past Review

By (California State University - Fresno) - abroad from 06/11/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

AIRC: Rome - Interdisciplinary Semester in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my speaking skills and had a wonderful chance to become friends with others eager to save this language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Phenomenal teacher, profound knowledge of her subject with a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Most things ran smoothly. When it didn't, it was due to no fault of those running the course.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

This is the one area of improvement that needs serious attention. We were scattered around the city, some of us far from the classroom so that at the end of the day, some had a 10-minute walk home while others had a one-hour trip. Over 20 days, that amounted to 20 lost hours for some in commuting compared to 200 lost minutes (3 or so hours) for others. This isn't fair, especially when we were all charged the same price for our rooms, and some had internet while others didn't.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's an Italian city full of locals in love with American culture, which has fallen in love with caffes and espresso, so it wasn't hard to feel at home.

* 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)

I didn't live on a student's budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250-$400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up in advance so you don't have to worry about it over there.

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

It was impossible not to use the language since the course was run entirely in Latin. Once students left, it was up to them whether they used it or not, but there ample homework and course material -- videos especially -- enabled students to continue using the language outside the classroom.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Graduate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Find the dedicated speakers who are eager to be corrected, to learn from one another, to support one another, to have great conversations. Hang out with them as often as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The teacher
  • The location
  • My roommate
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to book my own apartment. I wouldn't have been as tired during the course if I had had a better place to stay.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!