Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience Ever Past Review

By (University of Indianapolis) - abroad from 05/30/2019 to 06/28/2019 with

CUNY - College of Staten Island: Tuscania - Study Abroad at Lorenzo de’Medici

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Navigating a foreign country was not always easy. You have to get good at problem-solving. It is a great opportunity to expand your comfort zone and experience a completely different way of life.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course was incredibly personalized and informative. The class was interactive and experience-based, which offered so much more value than the traditional textbook learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was amazing. We received such personalized attention and the activities were tailored to our interests. The Tuscania advisors were so helpful when it came to arranging travel, navigating the town/language, and ensuring we had an amazing experience. I cannot say enough good things about them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very nice.

* Food:

The food was great. We received meal vouchers for local restaurants and the grocery stores were all nearby.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going into the program, I spoke absolutely none of the language. Leaving the program, I was able to understand a reasonable amount of what people said. The language barrier proved difficult at times but it never hindered us from doing something. The locals we met were all so nice and accommodating.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

One of the girls in our program got sick and one of our advisors brought medicine to our apartment at 9 o'clock at night. None of us had to go to the hospital or anything but we all went to the local pharmacy at one point. It was easy to navigate alone and our advisors offered to go with us if we needed help.

* Safety:

There was never a point while I was in Tuscania where I felt unsafe. The only criticism I do have is that sidewalks are limited and the drivers there go fast. We made sure to stay to the side of the road and were completely fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Studying in Tuscania is one of the greatest things I have ever done. The town was wonderful. I was able to see so much of Italy. The people I met, both my fellow students and the locals, were incredible. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

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)

Traveling to other cities in the region was the most expensive part of the trip. Train tickets and AirBnbs did add up. But during the week-to-week, it was very easy to budget. We did not spend much on groceries and you do get meal vouchers from the school.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40 (not including weekend travel)

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

I did not speak it well, but we were always encouraged to use the language because not a lot of people in Tuscania spoke English.

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? 200 level French
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? Know some basic words when you go, just to make the transition easier.

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?
  • The people
  • The food
  • The class
* What could be improved?
  • It was all great
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things.

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 Adventurer
The 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.