Matt's trip to Sicily Past Review

By (Finance and Financial Management Services., The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 05/14/2012 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?
Very worthwhile

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.

Beautiful location, perfect subjects for the area.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was probably the best location of them all, but there were a couple hick ups with the plumbing and everything. The people in charge of housing were frustrating to work with

* 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)

the euro conversion was an early dagger to the funds. Gradually adapted and it became easier to live on a budget

* 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? about 75 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't eat out too much

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? no prior knowledge
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? emersion

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 people I was with, and the Italian culture.
* What could be improved?
  • more focus on learning the language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? the language