Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exciting. Beautiful. Touristy. Safe. AMAZING Past Review

By (LaGuardia Community College) - abroad from 07/23/2018 to 08/17/2018 with

CUNY - College of Staten Island: Venice - Study Abroad at Istituto Venezia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was 100% worth it. Along with much language knowledge gained, I got to learn a lot about myself and who I want to be while I was abroad. It was my first time in Europe, or outside the US and Canada and it was fantastic. Study abroad every summer if you can!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a very intense program but worth it! Much learned!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a couple of issues with the family that I stayed with in Venezia, only because I am an adult and haven't lived with my family for several years. I didn't expect to pay for wifi and have a curfew/be asked to stay in the house after a certain hour. This was frustrating! I also am not used to the family setting. Only being able to eat in the kitchen, etc. I loved the family I stayed with but if I would have known the set up, I would have respectfully declined and found an airbnb for my time in Venezia. But again, I am not used to living with my parents.

* Food:

Venezia is a TOURIST TOWN! Especially in the summer. Take your time and get off the beaten path to find some great food. Instituto Venezia has some amazing cooking classes! Eat a lot and drink much spritz!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Literally slept on the beach my last night. Beautiful city, very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I wanted to go somewhere that English was not heavily spoken and Venezia is not it. It is a heavy tourist town and I was not prepared for that. I would have preferred the south of Italy or in the mountains. Not in a major city.

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)

SAVE SAVE SAVE. Try to cook and not eat out as much!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$200.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Space your money out. If you have TIGHT BUDGET, only take cash with you that way you can't spend more than you need. Only used your cards if necessary!

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

No English in class.

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? Italian 102
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? Rosetta Stone.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Food
  • Culture
  • Expierences
* What could be improved?
  • Mixing with beginner, intermediate and advance students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew which family I would be staying with and if they are similar to myself.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.