A humbling and life changing experience that I'll never forget!! Past Review

By (Art, Central Washington University) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/15/2015 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much confidence in myself and a strong independence that I didn't know that I had. I learned so much about who I am because I had to depend on myself and learn how to navigate in a foreign country. Studying abroad in Italy was worth while because I experienced another culture and made international relationships. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

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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.

My overall education experience was great!! The institute provided great onsite resources and they the academics were both fun and challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very helpful and provided lists of resources to help us students navigate and live in a new foreign country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was really satisfied. I shared an apartment with 4 other students and there was plenty of space for privacy and study groups. The apartment had a charming old architecture located downtown.

* Food:

Italian food has no preservatives and it was amazing to try new food from an authentic Italian culture.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Once I felt comfortable speaking Italian I blended in and felt more like a citizen than a tourist.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I quickly realized that some medications are not available in the host country that I stayed in but there were other available options that helped with my situation.

* Safety:

I felt safe walking down the main streets of Florence because there was always police patrolling the streets throughout the day.

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? I spent about 100 to 150 euros a week on food or necessities.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A lot of the ATMs in Italy charge fees plus my bank charged international fees everytime i used a "non-banking" ATM, so I would suggest for future students to get a international debit card of some sort or carry cash with you to avoid the high ATM fees.

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

I took an Italian language class and the professor encouraged us to practice speaking Italian on a daily basis with everyone including the people at the stores or at the markets that we went to.

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? intermediate spanish
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? I suggest practicing with your study abroad roommates or make a friend while staying in your host country to practice the language, it really helps.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • field trips
  • campus activities
  • community
* What could be improved?
  • The studio hours could be open later for the artists who like to work late at night.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how the train system works in Italy before I went there; i missed the train a few times because it was difficult to understand the system.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.