An eye opening adventure. Past Review
By A student (ethnic studies, University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 04/20/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of new knowlege and skills. The whole experience was beyond worth it and I can't wait to travel again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 50 euros on food (70dollars) per week for the meals that were not included in the housing program. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It would be better to stay in an apartment with other students rather than a homestay to save on food. That way, you are in control of what you eat and how much you spend on the food. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| 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? | Living in a homestay is best for language and cultural integration. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I would have been better prepared on money issues and that I would have researched other program options as well. I would not have chosen a homestay even though it helped me integrate into the Italian culture, however, it was costly, and I was not given the homestay cost details before the program started. As well, I really missed cooking and being around people my age. Most of the time I felt awkward around the house even though my host family was nice. |
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