Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was beautiful! Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - 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?
I learned to be more independent, responsible, and confident. I am not afraid to be adventurous now. I met the most kindest and beautiful people and saw, heard, tasted, and smelled the most beautiful things! It was a very cathartic experience that gave me time to explore my interests and to relax!

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.

The classes are spring hill college are intriguing and inspiring! They need to be more organized though

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food in the cafeteria was terrible!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local 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? I don't know
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't carry too much money in your wallet. Get a credit card that doesn't have a foreign transaction fee.

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

Bologna is a very authentic city and I felt very encouraged to practice Italian.

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? Spanish level 3
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Friendly people
  • Provided many accommodations
  • Trips to Switzerland and Greece!
* What could be improved?
  • Teachers!! They were unenthusiastic and unorganized
  • Add more types of classes (economics, mythology, environment and sustainable practices in Italy)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is important to be a minimalist!

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.