Learning about myself and other cultures Past Review

By (Italian, Spanish, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/02/2013 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 a lot more Italian language and the fact that I could go to any country in the world and make a life for myself if I needed to do so. I would definitely go to Sicily again!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were easily manageable in most classes, though one professor was extremely intense with all the work she gave us. At times I felt that 5-6 hours of class time were too many.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When I was alone with an inebriated housemate and did not know what to do, nobody came to help me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The toilet sometimes broke, and the shower was a little small (I kept banging my head).

* Food:

The food does not get any better! Try as many Sicilian dishes as you want! You will never be disappointed!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made so many amazing friends--we all cried as we were saying goodbye! I made many friends with various shop owners, roommates, and language partners.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt perfectly fine even at night. Nobody was ever injured.

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)

The cost of living in Sicily is shockingly low!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try eating at cafés as opposed to formal restaurants.

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

We had classes completely in Italian from the beginning, which really made us improve our language skills.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? ITAL 20b
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak the target language every chance you get with the native speakers!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Intensive Italian language classes
  • Learning about cultures
* What could be improved?
  • Teaching skills of some of the instructors
  • Housing had some broken appliances
  • More Italian language levels
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cultural nuances and what is socially acceptable in the host country

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!