Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Indescribably Unforgettable! Until we meet again Italy! Past Review

By (Italian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/31/2015 to 07/25/2015 with

CET Siena

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I greatly improved in Italian language and learned about the history of Siena. Very worthwhile and nice to take a break from science.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

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? Keep a journal and write down what you spend every day. It will help keep track of your money and minimize spending.

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? Intermediate
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? 20B
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 as much as possible, every chance there is. Try very hard not to use English or whatever your native language may be.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Students and Teachers
  • The size, very small and intimate
  • A chance to learn about architecture and important traditions
* What could be improved?
  • More financial assistance should be provided to students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was better prepared for the weather conditions. It was extremely hot and generally one cannot find air conditioners in Siena. A rough estimate of how much traveling during the program would cost. For Example, tickets to various cities and countries.

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!