I miss the freedom! Past Review
By A student (Journalism., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/30/2012 to 05/11/2012 with
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
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
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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? |
Great location. Felt very safe with where LdM placed us. |
| * Food: |
NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE THE FOOD :) |
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* 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. |
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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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| * 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 |
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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? | 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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | To not go out at "american" bars or places that all the study abroad students go |
