Learning about myself and other cultures Past Review
By A student (Italian, Spanish, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/02/2013 to 07/27/2013 with
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
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
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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! |
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* 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. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * 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
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Finances
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* 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 |
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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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * 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 LinguistYou 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! |
