Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

DO this! It is worth it! Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 05/16/2012 to 07/30/2012 with

Gonzaga University: Gonzaga-in-Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Worthwhile? YES! If I could still be there right now, I would be! The experience I have gained will not only help me domestically, but you learn another culture, another way of life and that in turn will help in your other endeavors.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Split something in whatever aspect it is.

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? Intermediate
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? two semesters in college, four years in high school
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? Try it no matter what.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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 ones running the show knew what they were doing and were available whenever.
  • They were only a few years older than we were so we all could relate.
* What could be improved?
  • Teaching of certain curriculum.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open to everything, you never know who or what will walk into your life.