My perfect summer Past Review

By (Italian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/03/2015 to 07/25/2015 with

CET Siena

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I did. I saw the world for the first time and learned enough Italian to speak with my family. All around a great experience, 10/10 would definitely do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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)

My financial issues were mostly due to the fact that I was traveling every week and not reflective of the expenses associated with the program

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 250 dollars a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No money saving tips the expense of money was necessary for the full experience in my option. If i had to go back I would spend the same amount. My only piece of advice is to spend your money on experiences not things while you are 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? I had completed two semesters of Italian in college
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? speak Italian wherever you are living and with the vendors and other people. Just speak the language as much as possible you won't think it is helping but it is.

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people on the program
  • the traveling and historical sites
  • learning the language and the CET teachers
* What could be improved?
  • never recommend using student cells again
  • not a fan of the blog prodject
  • more free time on the weekends for extended travling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not use the recommended student cells and do not get an Italian sim card just use the international plan. Also keep the case on my phone at all times.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!