Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

You'll never want to leave. Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 07/05/2017 to 08/04/2017 with

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I returned with a better understanding of not only Italian culture but of my own as well. Incredibly worthwhile, an invaluable experience.

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? No

I loved the program but I would do something different to broaden my experience.

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? $200-250 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a budget or you will find yourself lacking in the last few weeks.

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? none
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? Interact with locals as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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(locals and fellow students)
  • The history and beauty of the city
  • the food
* What could be improved?
  • A/C in my apartment
  • more advise on largely untraveled and must see places
  • advise on cheap excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't go in with reservations, fully immerse yourself as soon as possible.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.