Ortigia- Small Island, Big Experience Past Review

By (Hospitality Management, Kansas State University) for

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am thankful from where I come from and I would love another opportunity to travel and learn about the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading only consisted of tests and quizzes and the final was a huge portion of our final grade. The work load wasn't too much, but we did have to study and keep up in order to do well on the tests.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API did an amazing job showing us around Syracuse and beyond. Our adviser, Joanna, was amazing. She was like a mom in Italy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We needed to buy basic cleaning supplies and food. Our apartment was fully furnished. Our appliances broke constantly and that was the hardest part of living there.

* Food:

Buio was a great place to get appetizers and drinks. Everyone was very welcoming there.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Hiking Cava Grande was my favorite.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The Island of Ortigia was small and the locals were honest with us and let us know if we were in danger with a specific crowd.

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

Language acquisition improvement?

Everyday interactions. Almost all the shop owners did not speak English.

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 did you like most about the program?
  • American people I met
  • API and the help they provided before, during, and after
  • Italian people I met
* What could be improved?
  • MCAS was disorganized
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A student who was closed minded to open their minds to the world.