Summer in Siena Past Review

By (Spanish and Iberian Studies., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 06/16/2012 to 07/15/2012 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really, really gained confidence in speaking Italian, which was my whole goal going into the program. So it was definitely worthwhile :)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved my Italian class at Dante Alighieri - because it was such a small class and the class was so focused on actually conversing, I feel like I learned so much in a short amount of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my homestay family!!! I can't wait to go back to Siena and visit them :)

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SPI does a great job of making you feel involved in the culture!

* 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? $75-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Splurge on one or two souvenirs to take home with you, but don't go crazy 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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish I
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? Definitely take every chance you get to talk to the locals. It's the only way you'll learn how to actually carry on a conversation in the language, and eventually become fluent!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • My Italian class
  • My homestay/food
  • The excursions we did
* What could be improved?
  • Can't really think of anything...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You only get to be in Italy for a short time in your life, and you can be in the States anytime. So try not to speak any English!

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!