Could not be happier with who I've become after studying abroad. Past Review
By A student (Salem State University) - abroad from 01/20/2016 to 05/12/2016 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Semester in Florence
I gained a strong sense of independence and mental stability. It was certainly worth while.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although I did not experience an overwhelming amount of work, my overall educational experience was beyond anything I could imagine. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They did everything to make me feel comfortable and safe while adjusting to the new country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment and roommates were not perfect, but I would not ask for anything different. I loved my living arrangements. |
| * Food: |
With meal units and smart budgeting, you cannot go wrong with food in Italy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made sure to mingle with the locals, but the truth is, everywhere in Europe is going to be Americanized due to tourists. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Pharmacists and doctors were very helpful. CISabroad made sure to provide us with English speaking doctor contacts. |
| * Safety: |
I felt much safer in Florence than my home city. Dangerous things only occurred when alcohol was involved. Our site directors made sure to explain this to us, which I'm sure prevented problems. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I found nothing wrong with my program. |
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) |
Our program gave us plenty of opportunities to save money and still experience great meals and fun trips. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget your money from the beginning. Going out at night on the weekends can add up and isn't something you should do every single weekend. Take advantage of deals on trips to places you want to see, but also remember to experience your host city. |
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 |
Using the language is scary at first, but it becomes easier and more enjoyable the more you use it. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Studying a little every night before bed and going out the next day to practice with locals was affective for me. CISabroad also offers many opportunities to mingle with locals and practice speaking their language. |
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 don't like this question. There is nothing I know now that I wish I knew earlier. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
