The Old World Seen Through New Eyes. Past Review
By A student (History And Pre-med, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/17/2012 to 06/26/2012 with
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
It was most definitely worth while. I learned how lucky we are to live in America where we have so much opportunity to follow our dreams. The culture there is so different, it was nice to learn to relax and appreciate what's around me; instead of hurrying around, (as is our habit in America). Mostly I learned that culture is a beautiful thing that all should be able to experience, not only to expand one's learning of the world, but also to expand one's learning of yourself.
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. |
While the classes were rigorous, I still had free time to explore the city. |
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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: |
I felt incredibly safe in Ortigia; it was such a small community that after a week I was being greeted by local store owners on the way too class. The only thing one might have to worry about is pick pockets, and thieves. We did have two boys on the program who left their back packs unattended and they were stolen. |
| 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) |
The problem wasn't food, it was relatively cheap there, (We had pizza that was only 2.50), it was the souveniers that tended to add up unexpectedly. |
| * 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? | 60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just be careful where you shop, there are plenty of places that sell the same, if not better, produce for a cheaper price. |
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 |
We were taught phrases, and encouraged to interact with the local people; however, knowledge of the language was not necessary. |
| 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? | None |
| 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? | Make sure you have a phrase book, and learn basics. The people there love it when you at least try to talk to them in their own language, they respect the effort, even though most of them know a good amount of English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I had known the language better. |
