A MUST for International Business & Entrepreneurial Goals!!!!! Past Review
By Alexandria M (Public Health Education and Promotion., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/20/2013 to 06/28/2013 with
Arcadia: Rome - Rome Internship Program
If I had time to write, direct, and produce my own Oscar award winning movie to sum it all up I would. This experience was immeasurable because I learned about Italian and specifically Sicilian culture, my fellow Americans, international business, and myself. I went into this experience knowing I was going to have to work because the syllabus was no joke, and I feel that since I knew this going into is that it made my experience that much more valuable. Deciding to travel this past summer was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
We worked with top professionals in the International and Italian Business. The bar was set high, yet our professor was very easy to approach and wanted to help us. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host administrative staff was proficient in english and helped our group a lot. They were very friendly people as well. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I knew that living in Italy would be a definite change from how I did my laundry to the potential living space, but these apartments exceeded my expectation. Not all apartments are the same and some are smaller, but they are still quite comfortable. I gave this a 4.5 stars just because our internet wouldn't work much of the time at home and that was necessary for some of our research, but it didn't have any profound life changing events. Just remember it is a different country and you cannot expect to live exactly as you do back home. |
| * Food: |
I will admit that I am not a picky eater at all, but for others that were on this trip with me who were would still probably rate this food 5 stars. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This was a small community area and it was very easy to recognize and engage with the locals. Again I will admit I knew the Italian language prior to this experience and this helped my foreign status seem non-existent, but everyone is friendly and wants to practice their english so it is not hard integrating yourself into the culture; if you want to. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not use this function/ no comment |
| * Safety: |
In my group we knew to stay together and not let anyone be by themselves so there was never a serious issue. Also this area was a high tourist area which made it easy to just go with the flow of the town. I walked around by myself at times and felt completely safe even on streets I did not know. |
| 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) |
This budget was not hard to keep at all. Things were money went quickly were souvenirs and alcoholic beverages. Several of the people in my group came to realize this very quickly and were almost struggling to have enough money for the rest of the trip. So this really just depends on your personal lifestyle. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$70 US dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy food at a fresh market or bulk foods because some of the grocery stores can be pricey. Find something you really want to buy or a place to travel to and save for that instead of buying drinks or going our to eat all the time. The last tip is to have "family dinners" with your new study abroad crew because everyone can bring something, you have a ton of food and everyone pays a small amount. |
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 |
We had several activities during class where we would go out in the community and use our new skills. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | One intensive Italian course that basically was two semesters worth of learning. |
| 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? | Use language when ordering food, at a store, or getting snacks at a bar. For example ask how there day is going, what their name is, how long they have worked there. The locals will be excited to know you are trying to communicate with them. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I know more about myself, but it's not something I regret not knowing before. This was just the perfect time for me to understand more about myself. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
