Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Story of an American Learning how to not look so American Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 01/06/2017 to 04/28/2017 with

Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So much. I have never taken public transportation by myself, and now I did it across countries. I feel much more independent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was not very intense academically, which is nice for students who still want to be in school, but really focus on exploring and learning independence in a foreign place.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Teachers and everyone were awesome.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was great, but the people I lived with truly made my experience the best.

* Food:

I mean...it is Italy...the food is probably some of the best in the world! Haha.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Quite integrated. I had to do a lot of stuff that was part of the local culture that I didn't even know were stereotypical Italian things.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues, but it seemed simple enough.

* Safety:

I felt very safe at all times. Even when we were out at 3 am, I felt safe.

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

I loved it so much. Any issue I had was unrelated to the program!

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)

Since traveling and spending money is a big part about being abroad, it got hard at times to not spend so much money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Realistically, maybe like 100-150 dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and plan for the week ahead, so you just didn't splurge every single day.

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

Everyday they wanted us to try.

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? Well, nothing in the language there!
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? Learn the essentials IMMEDIATELY because you will need them eventually and you will be glad you knew them.

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

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The adventures
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • More academically driven
  • More structured schedule for exams and such
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? They weren't kidding about trying to not bring too many clothes. And check what the weather will be like...as in if it is really cold actually bring a nice jacket.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.