Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Becoming Comfortable With the Uncomfortable. Siena: Study Abroad + Service Learning in Italy Past Review

By (The Evergreen State College) - abroad from 09/04/2016 to 12/19/2016 with

IPSL: Reviews from former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
i can speak very good italian! it was absolutely worthwhile...i gained a sense of confidence and security and safety within myself that i carry with me now everywhere.

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

i wanted a unique experience and i got it

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? 20 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? keep track of your spending! drinks go fast.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2nd year French
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? do not be afraid to make mistakes! you will look and feel stupid no matter what, but the quicker you learn the language, the less time you will spend looking and feeling stupid, and the more you practice, the quicker you learn the language! just TRY IT! SAY THINGS!

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
  • International Students
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 people -- professors and host fam
  • food
  • the fact that the classes were all taught in italian
* What could be improved?
  • SIS school/grades/schedule organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how much the specific culture of siena would affect my time there

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'