Unforgettable and indescribable. Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 05/06/2016 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew up a lot as a person. Very worth while, best semester yet

Review Photos

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Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the classes offered

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Out of anywhere I studied, I wouldn't have wanted to live anywhere else than Florence!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved living in an apartment and had a great location in the city

* Food:

Surprisingly, never got tired of Italian food! Lots to choose from

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Italians were nice and accepting for the most part. People working in shops were very willing to help navigate through the city

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Nice it was provided, but never needed it

* Safety:

Never felt scared. Just never traveled or walked anywhere by myself

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The meal plan, location, teachers, classes, other peers in the program...everything was over the top amazing

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? We had a meal plan so very little. $50max

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? 6 hours of french
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? Try and incorporate it into every day life like around the apartment and ordering food and the language will pick up quicker

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Experience of traveling the world
  • Living and embracing a new culture
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had a friend that did this program before so I knew everything I really needed to know

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 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.