Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 11/20/2012 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a new culture and language, tried new foods and the specialties of each town, met amazing people, saw extraordinary things - all of which I will never forget! Those 12 weeks were like living in a dream. If only it didn't have to come to an end :(

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.

Awesome classes though I wish there were more options available (rather than taking Humanities, I would have loved to take drawing, painting, and/or art history)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amazing housing! Could not have been better :)

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally forced myself into the culture by speaking the language and getting to know the Italians and their culture. However, many of the other participants made no effort to do so and it was a little frustrating at times.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the local grocery stores for food and make your own lunches. Also, for traveling, look at all types of transportation (train, bus, etc.) for the cheapest tickets and best times.

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

I personally made a huge effort to speak the language at every possible opportunity. However, it was difficult at times because many of the other participants did not want to learn the language and insisted on speaking English during tours, lessons, etc. I wish I could have listened and spoken Italian more than I did... I just didn't have enough opportunities to.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? PRACTICE -- at restaurants, stores, church... everywhere! The more you speak, the more easily it comes. I learned more Italian in conversation with the Italians than in my Italian 201 class. If you don't speak it, you won't learn it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location: Italy's food, culture, language, people, art, and scenery
  • Classes: I had such fun classes that I learned a lot in
  • Weekend Travel: seeing new places around the entire country
* What could be improved?
  • More class options
  • Being allowed to go outside of Italy (just for one or two weekends!)
  • A director that knows the Italian language and culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the classes and curriculum

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'