Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Loved my time 'Under the Tuscan Sun' Past Review

By (Music, Vanderbilt University) - abroad from 06/15/2015 to 07/28/2015 with

IES Abroad: Siena - IES Abroad Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that everyone has different perspectives on life, and became so much more openminded!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I traveled each weekend, so I probably spent about $150 a week on hostels, train/bus tickets, and all my meals
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? hold out for souvenirs-you'll know by the end of the program what you really want to spend money (and suitcase space) on!

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 years of 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? Stay in a homestay! IES organized one for me with an incredibly kind family of great cooks, and it was an excellent way to be integrated into the culture and practice my Italian.

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

  • 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 food
  • the staff
  • the city
* What could be improved?
  • 9 students was a little smaller than I would have liked
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light, be open to trying new foods, bring some American movies on your laptop for those days when you just need to hear people speaking in English!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!