Falling in love with Italy and America Past Review
By A student (Exercise and Wellness, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 11/20/2012 with
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much about the world, my country, their country, and myself. I wouldn't trade what I experienced for the world. I love the people that I met and what I learned from them. It made me appreciate my life and country so much more but also taught me that I can learn from everything around me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was hard because it went so fast. I didn't really have time to do all of the work that was assigned to me. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Luca is SO helpful. Anything we even mentioned, he took it to the next level. He was out of the country for some of our program which was a little frustration though. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our Nonna was great. A little too far out of the city-took us 30 minutes just to get into the city on bus. The house was big but a little dirty because she had pets. The food was amazing. |
| * Food: |
Italy. Need I say more? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
LOVED IT. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a few colds and was able to find medicine really easily. Some other girls had more serious problems and it seemed to get taken care of really well. |
| * Safety: |
Siena was probably the safest city that we went to in Italy. The other cities, not so much. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 50-60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | be careful with travel- it can get really expensive. Use super markets when you can, they will save you a lot. Be prepared for the unexpected expenses. |
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? | 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? | 101 |
| 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? | Study vocab. Also, you learn a lot just be being there so take it in and don't be afraid to use it. |
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? | Relax, it will all be okay. No matter what happens. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
