Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everything you could possibly want for Study Abroad Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Furman University) - abroad from 09/09/2012 to 12/02/2012 with

CIMBA: Paderno del Grappa - Undergraduate Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience gave me the best times of my life (so far). From learning a language, to learning the culture, to getting lost in foreign cities, I feel that every single aspect of the CIMBA program will benefit me for the rest of my life. I not only grew as a person, but i left with 75 new family members as well!

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.

* 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? Food was free on campus, and very cheap in Paderno! Other expenses depended on traveling and such.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't forget about the exhange rate!

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? None
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 for Italian
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? Real life practice is best!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The amount of travel time
  • The bonds you form with fellow students
  • All of the opportunites to get involved with local culture
* What could be improved?
  • the food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's in a small town. And the GPA may not transfer back to your home university.

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 Networker
An 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.