AMAZING Past Review

By (Tufts University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 06/05/2012 with

Brown University: Bologna - Brown in Italy at University of Bologna

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
so worthwhile. lead to me changing my major to Italian

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: UniBo Brown orientation
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? Know that produce doesn't last long there (unlike here); don't buy too much at once or it will go to waste. Go to Mercato dell'Erbe for produce (plus there are lots of great people to talk with there!)

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? Beginner
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? Italian 21
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? I listened to a lot of Italian music before going :)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • cultural immersion
  • food
  • improving language skills
* What could be improved?
  • everything was wonderful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, can't say there is any essential info it was lacking