Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Past Review

By (Plymouth State University) - abroad from 01/25/2017 to 05/14/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Milan, Venice, Pompeii, Capri - A Taste of Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much education and awareness. I learned so much about history constantly being surrounded by it all over Europe. So many opportunities to learn new things!

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.

Excellent unique educational experience that offered hands on learning.

* 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

Although it had some downsides, Sorrento was probably the best place for me especially as a beginner traveler who was a bit nervous and hesitant.

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? 40 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up as much as you can before you go. Don't over think your money spending because that could ruin your experience. You are going to spending a lot no matter what.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3rd level
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? Be confident and start speaking with locals in stores!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Location
  • People
  • My advisor Romina
* What could be improved?
  • More school events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The more money you have saved the more places you will be able to see and things you will be able to do.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Drawing on Location
Course Department: Art
Instructor: Simo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging at times but just the right amount of challenging. Field trips happend almost every day when we got to walk around Sorrento and draw things. I was always excited and eager to go to class. We kept a journal of all our drawings which is my favorite part because I get to look back on all those memories.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did actually! I took a similar drawing class at my home university so at first they were not going to count my credits for this course. I appealed this and explained how the two classes differed and then was able to receive the credit for it.