Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Summer Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/03/2017 to 07/30/2017 with

CET Siena

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved Siena! We were able to in just two months really immerse in the city. Siena is a city that you can definitely feel at home in after just two months due to its size and the help of great Italian classes and outside excursions. I was able to watch the Palio, one of the biggest and oldest events in Italy, travel to a few of the major cities on the weekends, and even meet some relatives in my family's hometown. I think the constant opportunities to speak Italian really improved my language skills and confidence communicating in Italian. Would absolutely do it again!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were not overly challenging. We were given a good balance of assignments that kept the class interesting and informative. I feel like I learned a good amount in only two months.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the activities they organized for us and the orientation helped us feel comfortable with the program/ city.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments varied in quality. Mine had a great location between the school and the Piazza del Campo, though it was a bit minimalist and we had some issues with our keys.

* Food:

The three meals the program provided and the one cooked by our roommate were all amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My favorite experience in this program was meeting locals in the Piazza!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues

* Safety:

Siena is safer than most cities in Italy - I never felt at risk of being pickpocketed and there are lots of people milling around until late at night. Girls need to be a bit more cautious, though, as being American tends to attract attention.

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)

Travel and eating out tended to add up, but groceries were under 30 euro a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I liked saving money throughout the week for trips on the weekend, where I would eat out at restaurants and spend money on museums and such.

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

We spoke to our professor in Italian even outside the classroom and had Italian roommates.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 134- advanced elective courses
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 to your Italian roommate, people you meet, and even your fellow students in Italian as much as possible. I also kept a journal in Italian to remember my trip and get more practice writing in Italian.

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?
  • My new friends and Italian roommate
  • My classes/ professors - especially the Sienese art class excursions
  • The outside activities - especially the Palio events
* What could be improved?
  • More detailed information before the start date
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more information on the activities the program planned. They were one of my favorite parts of the program and I didn't know about them beforehand. Also, it would have been helpful to have our class schedule before we arrived.

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!