I miss the freedom! Past Review

By (Journalism., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/30/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Indescribable experience. I would go back in a heartbeat.

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?

Great location. Felt very safe with where LdM placed us.

* Food:

NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE THE FOOD :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I have had several years of Italian language experience, it was easier for me to integrate than my roommates with only Spanish experience. For the most part, Italians who could understand English were helpful as long as you tried to communicate in Italian with them when you could.

* 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? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I went abroad with about $5000 and came home with barely $20. However, I traveled a lot, so a good amount of money went toward travel expenses.

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? Intermediate
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? Four college semesters
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? Constant immersion

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Commitment level was fair enough to allow for time to just experience Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Sometimes I felt treated like a young kid by the program staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not go out at "american" bars or places that all the study abroad students go