An incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip! Past Review
By Heidi S (Art and Art History, The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 05/13/2012 to 06/22/2012 with
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much. I learned about another culture, experienced living on my own, and made so many new friends. I would definitely do it again if I could...it was the best thing I've ever done!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * 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? | A little over $100 dollars per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to the grocery store and pack some lunches and cook some dinner! The market is also a great place for cheap, fresh food. And try not to spend more than 1.5 euro on lunch--there's a great panini place close to the school. |
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? | 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? | 4 years of high school Spanish |
| 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? | Get a language book, take the class on it, and practice, practice, practice! The locals appreciate your attempts, and they will help you. |
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?
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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? | Nothing--I loved going in not knowing what to expect. The surprise was amazing. |
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