Best Time of My Life Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/08/2012 to 07/21/2012 with

Arcadia: Florence - Italian Language and Culture in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take things as they come and enjoy every moment of life. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Accademia Italiana
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book weekend trips with a travel agency rather than doing it yourself

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? none
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? Go out and talk to the people in stores!

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 people I met
  • The trips I took
  • The overall different experience
* What could be improved?
  • Should have stayed for longer
  • classes should be shorter per day for more exploring
  • Travel should be provided back to the airport to go home
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to be worried about not knowing anyone going into it