Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of my life! Past Review

By (Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology) - abroad from 01/21/2017 to 05/13/2017 with

Alfred State: Architecture Studies in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I couldn't possibly list everything I learned, but I am a totally different person now. I have learned about independence and responsibility, how to deal with/manage people, how to travel and make the most of my experience and so much more. It is 1000% worth it. Every student should take the opportunity to study abroad if only for a few weeks.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program has been the most influential decision for my personal and professional development of my whole life. Academically, I think I might have gained more from someone more aware of local architecture, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment is so nice and our landlord is really nice. My only complaint is the cleaning people don't come often enough or on a regular schedule.

* 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:

I have walked females friends home many time at night because people have bothered them when someone hasn't walked the home. Do that and watch your pockets and bags wherever you go and youll be fine.

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 lived conservatively, was always conscious of my spending, but I did travel a bit and I had expenses come up I wasn't expecting plus I took money out of my Sorrento budget to pay for part of my next study abroad program in Estonia and the travel between here and there for 12 days in Norway (of the most expensive countries in the world) - that was my money problem. I worked two jobs this summer and had prior money saved, but I still had to dip into an investment account my parents had for me that I hadn't needed until now.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't have a weekly total
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan trips further in advance and double check your flight date before booking it. Also don't crash a moped.

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? None
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? College Spanish 202 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? Talk to locals at the barbershop, restaurants, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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 variety
* What could be improved?
  • The professor Alfred sent
  • Planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to manage people and plan trips

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.