Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pasta, friends, persecutive, adventures. Past Review

By (University of San Francisco) - abroad from 01/13/2016 to 04/30/2016 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
New friends, a global perspective, and several unforgettable experiences. Most definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Italian classes of the program really helped to get the students speaking the language in the city setting. And living with Italian students helped get all of us Americans involved in the insider student culture of Bologna.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had health issues but I know those who did and were well taken care of by the staff and program doctor.

* Safety:

I felt very comfortable in Bologna. It is a rather safe city, easily walkable at any time. Our host program held safety meetings on general awareness which I believe some people found useful. I only know of one incident where someone had their phone stolen in Bologna.

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

This program emphasizes learning about global social justice issues and gave us first hand perspectives and experiences. We met migrants in Bologna and Sicily and heard their experience of coming to Italy. Worked at Caritas in Greece and encountered people receiving aid there. From what I gather, not all study abroad programs present these opportunities or even focus on these topics. Spring Hill is unique and a powerful learning experience in so many ways.

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)

Bologna has access to delicious affordable food, and fun cheap/free activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €20-70 depending on if I went shopping or ate out

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? Intermediate
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? 201 Third semester Italian
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? Always order food/shop using Italian. Engage in the language with the Italian students you're living with.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Food
  • People
  • Teaching styles
* What could be improved?
  • Calendar coordination (but we are adaptable and understand scheduling difficulties)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How easily walkable Bologna is so I would have gone out and explored earlier on in the program.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.