A Semester in Italian Paradise Past Review

By (EXS, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 08/29/2012 to 11/17/2012 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The cultural experience was amazing and I would go to Italy again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very intense studies. Good teachers but too much work. The cultural aspect was the rewarding part of the study abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the director of the school there that we attended. Very friendly and nice

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family! They treated us like family and taught me many things about the culture and language. I also loved my roommate and we had very comfortable living arrangements.

* Food:

AMAZING food!! Everything I ate was fresh and prepared excellently.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I rode the bus every day back and forth from school so I interacted with the public on a daily basis.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't really have an experience with the local health care other than getting some extra contacts. That was easy and efficient.

* Safety:

My advice is never to trust the old Italian men: I had an experience with an old man that made me feel very violated. Don't let your guard down, especially girls!!

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)

It was very expensive in Italy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery store for lunch instead of eating out at restaurants every meal.

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
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? Just force yourself to use it and don't feel stupid. We all make mistakes, and as long as you try with the locals they will be very nice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The students
  • The host family
  • The culture/food
* What could be improved?
  • Less schoolwork
  • Better transportation to school
  • More program-paid for trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light - you want to buy lots of things while you are there.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.