vive italia, summer studio abroad Past Review

By (fine arts practice, Portland State University) for

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes. ive gained life long friends, a third lanugage and connections all over europe

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

our house was funished with cookware ect. we had a good location in the city.

* Food:

buying groceries can be a good way to go. for pizza places, you must go and try multiple ones to find out you favorite one.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

in venice, we meet some locals and went to a concert later on in the night filled with italians and emjoyed some nice wine.

* 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
Language acquisition improvement?

we did need to use the language in outside interactions. i choose to practice with locals in the city to practice the language.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? if you immurse yourself in the culture, you will have the best experience.