Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Time of my Life, Studying Abroad in Italy Past Review

By (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was the greatest decision I ever made. I met the best people, had so much fun, saw the world, and learned so much. I feel like I've become a better version of myself and I am so incredibly thankful I had this opportunity.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Studying abroad has been the best time of my life. I've become a more independent person and I see things differently now. I've learned so much and I want to see the rest of the world. I want to study abroad again!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved my teaches and my advisor!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location, love my 6 roommates.

* Food:

I didn't have a meal plan or anything, but all of the food in Italy is amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I blend in really well until I start talking. I am impressed with the Italian I have learned here and I have met a few Italians and am able to communicate with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel very safe here.

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 took me until the end of the semester to know where to go to get good deals and how to budget. I spent a ton of money this semester.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't grocery shop in bulk, don't go out to eat all the time, buy flights early for weekend trips, and be careful shopping.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 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? Practice and try to order and ask questions in Italian. They will probably talk back to you in English but try anyways.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had packed better, budgeted, and had a better idea of what to expect.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.