The most integrated experience possible in a program with american students. Siena: Study Abroad + Service Learning in Italy Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2010 to 12/22/2010 with

IPSL: Reviews from former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of patience with the italian culture. The program was definitely worth while.

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.

* 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? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200

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? No language course
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? Speak the language with your friends and meet locals

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The teachers
  • The planned excursions/ cultural activities
  • the placement with host families
* What could be improved?
  • rigor of italian class
  • structure of the volunteer aspect
  • more volunteer opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I was prepared more to live with a family who didn't speak english and made more of an effort to interact with them