Amazing! Life Changing Semester in Italy Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 02/13/2013 to 07/27/2013 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that although the world is large we are all still people and so we like the same things...just in another language. Eberyone want to be happy. Everyone want the attention of the opposite sex. Everyone likes good food. The trip opened my eyes to the world. But most importantly, This was the first opportunity I have ever had to get in touch with my self and figure out personal questions that I had yet to be able to answer. All in all this was a great time that I am sure will go down as one of the most monumental times in my life!

Review Photos

SECAC: Turin - Mechanical Engineering program at Politecnico di Torino Photo SECAC: Turin - Mechanical Engineering program at Politecnico di Torino Photo SECAC: Turin - Mechanical Engineering program at Politecnico di Torino Photo SECAC: Turin - Mechanical Engineering program at Politecnico di Torino Photo SECAC: Turin - Mechanical Engineering program at Politecnico di Torino Photo

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.

* 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:

I didn't personally have any problems but an American student in my group got mugged. Stay I groupd at night while in Torino

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not eat out all the time. Find open air markets and cook at home. For Torino, Italy Porta Palazzo is excellent!

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? none
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Force yourself to converse with the other students in their language. Ask as many questions as possible and just sit around people as they speak so that yo can get used to hearing the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • culture
  • Beauty
* What could be improved?
  • a couple of the fees weren't made completely clear until we got here
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring a raincoat instead of an umbrella

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.