A wonderful experience, would love to go back. Past Review
By isabelle clark (Northwest Arkansas Community College) - abroad from 06/01/2017 to 07/01/2017 with
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
choose your roommates well. of course i loved every bit.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I gave the educational experience 4 1/2 stars because personally I learned enough Italian to get by and the teacher was very understanding and cooperative, given he didn't speak much English. the photography class was very useful and fun, but I believe it could have been better planned, but I also get that it was the teachers first time arranging an international class. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I understand this class needs to cram a lot of information in only a month, but i wish there was more of a break other than 15 min in a 5 hour class. And maybe start an hour later so we are not all dead beat tired. because i wanted to learn, but it made it difficult to stay awake trying to learn another language. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
living arrangements were very nice and the people working were nice as well. the only thing I wish we had found out earlier is that if you cleaned the air conditioner it would actually work. And I wish there was at least a community microwave, we could have eaten cheaper and had more options of reheating food. But I am glad that we at least had a mini fridge. |
| * Food: |
The food in Siena was all the same. pasta, pizza, and bread. The only fruit or remotely healthy food I could eat was apples for breakfast or I had to go to the mini mart down the street. At first I was fine with eating out everyday for every meal. But I got tired of that real quick. So I went grocery shopping and got bread lunch meat and pb and j. I really did miss meat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Other than walking to and back school we did not have much time to go out and explore the city unless it was late at night when everything is closed or you skipped class. But I still got to see how everyone went about their day. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I saw many medical centers everywhere. But I never had to go in one. |
| * Safety: |
Siena felt very safe for me. Compared to the other touristy locations we visited I am glad we stayed in siena. The only thing is the teachers did not mind students under 18 go out and drink. Now i liked the wine tasting and learning their history under a controlled environment. But I wish they applied the same rules as the US, if not for the children's safty but for NWACC's as well. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
they were helpful and kind, and hopefully they learned from this trip |
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? | about $100 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | try to go and pick up food and snacks at the store. you can make sandwiches and its cheaper. but only if you get a mini fridge |
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? | highschool 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? | get an app and try to learn as much as possible before you go. write key words in your phone |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | that you did not need long sleeve shirts, or jeans. when coming back to the usa you are not able to exchange coins, mosquitos, barely any internet |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
