Wouldn't change it Past Review

By (History, Tulane University) for

Boston University: Padua - Italian and European Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
definitely. it was a challenge, but so worth it.

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.

teachers definitely accessible, and helpful. classes could have been a bit more rigorous but it was a good balance for a study abroad program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

administrators helpful, but seemed a bit understaffed. always woring, didn't always have time to help us. also, the individuals were sometimes condescending.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

definitely was a foreign diet, but enjoyable and easy to get used to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

we had weekend trips once a month to major italian cities

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

european police and health systems are much slower

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? travel is much more expensive than you may think!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 5 semesters of the language
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

practice with everyone you can, including the students. speak only italian with the host family and the teachers

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • local setting
* What could be improved?
  • administrators could be more helpful