An incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip! Past Review

By (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

* 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? 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? 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
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? 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

* 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
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 food
  • The living situation
  • The LOCATION
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* 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.