Once in a lifetime experience that nothing can ever compare to or replace. Past Review
By Rebekah A (English & Art History, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about the Italian culture and the truths about various stereotypes, a better understanding of the Italian language, and gained a newfound appreciation/desire for more world travel. It was very worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 150 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When you go out to participate in night life, only take out a certain amount of (fairly minimal) cash so as not to have large amounts of money stolen from you/break your budget by drinking and spending more than you would have sober. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Italian II |
| 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? | Before you leave: Rosetta stone or other online language programs. While there: Try to engage in the trivial ways with locals as often as possible - asking simple questions in markets, for directions, etc. |
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 trying to keep a romantic relationship going back in the U.S. while you're abroad will (easily) potentially ruin or at least put a damper on your time abroad. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
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