Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experiencing the beauty and charm of the Tuscan countryside. Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/23/2012 to 06/15/2012 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile. I gained a lot of knowledge about the Italian culture that I did not know prior to my trip. I think the living abroad even for a brief period has made me a more well-rounded person. Although I had a bunch of travel experience before this internship, this was the first time I had actually lived in a foreign culture for an extended period.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not get my internship assignment until the last week of the program; therefore this was not an academically stimulating trip for me.

* 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:

Siena, Italy is an INCREDIBLY safe city. I never felt in danger.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depending on how expensive our weekend trips were, it was sometimes several hundred euro.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 201
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • I liked being integrated into Italian culture. I think that living with a host family really helped encourage this. I also really enjoyed having a home-cooked meal every evening. Living with a host family is the best way to have an effective international experience.
* What could be improved?
  • I got really unlucky as far as my internship went. I'm not sure what anyone could have done to improve the situation, as it was the fault of the local hospital.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had just a little bit more experience speaking the language.