loved it! Past Review
By Jessica (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/21/2019 to 05/10/2019 with
IES Abroad: Siena - IES Abroad Center
I learned so many communication and language skills as well as just life skills and lessons through my experiences abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed my classes for the most part! Overall, the academics were much easier and less demanding than at my home university but it was good! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very helpful with anything we needed or were confused about and were pretty good about communicating with us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was in a great location and was a lot better than I was expecting for my living accommodations. The only thing was that our washing machine broke during the last month of the program and we had some issues getting it fixed. |
| * Food: |
The food in Siena was great. I miss it so much!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not stay with a host family, so I didn't feel totally integrated into the local culture; but I think my program did a good job of getting us involved in the local culture. Siena is small enough though that just by living there for some time, you'll become part of the local culture! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Siena was very safe. I never felt unsafe, even walking around at night. Just be careful of your personal belongings when travelling. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I think it was a great program in the perfect location for me! |
Finances
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* 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) |
I spent about $30 on groceries every week, but would be travelling and eating out most weekends. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up as much as you can before you go! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | Spanish 3 |
| 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? | Try to use it when you're out in public! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I didn't need to stress too much about my classes |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
