The Perfect Semester Past Review
By Brayton D (Business/Managerial Economics, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 09/06/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy
I gained a new view of the globe. I met amazing people and was able to learn about things that I wouldn't have been exposed to at my home institution.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not too challenging but VERY interesting |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Super friendly and helpful |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Wow, all the authentic Italian food you could want. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Italian natives were not always happy to have you around in restaurants or venues they frequented |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
One or two people had their wallets taken. In general the city is very safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
I spent about $150 a week, mostly eating in each night and eating out for other meals. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would recommend creating a budget after the first week or so. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | second year (Spanish) |
| 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 use it with other American students |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 had known that there were serious racial issues in Italy. That was a shock to me. |
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. |
