Whirl Wind Experience Past Review
By A student (Benedictine College) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 11/21/2013 with
Benedictine College: Florence - Semester Program in Florence, Italy
Yes, I gained an appreciation for various cultures and a love for travel and history.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We learned a variety of material through book study and immersing ourselves in the culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Villa Morghen was beautiful, being out of the craziness of the city but still close enough was very convenient. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very satisfied. The people working there were very friendly and accomadating, it felt like home. |
| * Food: |
Very good! I wish there were a variety of meats but overall the food was delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I got to know the culture very well but also felt in our own world up at the Villa. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues while over there so I cannot say for sure. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in our area of the Villa. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I felt like I got to know the culture and had a blast exploring Europe. |
Finances
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* 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) |
About 125 average depending on where you travel and for how long |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 125/150 per week for travel and food |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Smaller trips inside the country save you overnight bills and allows you to see the country you are living In. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 2 |
| 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? | Try to speak to the locals in the language, they usually know English and can help you get across what you want to say |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Enjoy the time while you have it, it goes by quick. |
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. |
