Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Past Review

By (Film, Video, Photographic Arts, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 09/07/2016 to 12/15/2016 with

Global Semesters: Florence - Semester in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Became more cultured and accepting of others beliefs/lifestyles. opened my eyes to what else is out there and made me want to continue to travel. Best decision I've made.

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.

Program was not intense or rigorous but I did learn a lot

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

some people may have complained about the size but it thought it was suitable

* 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? No

though I loved my program, I would want to do something different to change things up

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)

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? two years of spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Duolingo app Rick Steves

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

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning experience
  • Food
  • Social Aspect
* What could be improved?
  • technology
  • communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much money I spent. (only because I am not good at managing money)

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.