Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Psychology, Capital University) - abroad from 06/27/2018 to 07/27/2018 with

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal of independence, it was incredibly worthwhile

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.

When selecting a program for me to help with guidance, mentoring, and expertise, I could not have chosen upon a better fit than Athena. Not only are their values directly in line with mine, but the interpersonal relationships and constant support they offer their students can not be topped. What made Athena special, in my opinion, was how personable they made every single step of the trip - from starting my application (checking in on me, seeing if there were any components they could help me with), to getting me excited for the trip, checking in on me during the trip, and even following up with me after the trip. I truly felt like I had a group of constant supporters that had my best intentions in mind - only seeking to see me thrive and get the maximum possible exposure out of my experience. If you're looking for a program where you're more than just a number, you know you have a constant support team, and a general wonderful community to work with, Athena is the program to go with.

* 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?

* 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)

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? n/a
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 got an italian dictionary which helped a lot!

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?
  • Personal connections
* What could be improved?
  • Expansion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One month isn't long enough! :)

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!