Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italia, the beginging of my travel bug Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/08/2013 to 07/09/2013 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile, But I feel like I should have given more thought to which country I would visit. Although I loved Italia, I didn't "fit in" with the culture, nor did I want to. Wine isn't my thing, and neither was fashion or pasta. I should have considered going to a country where I could experience more of my own interests (Other than Art history)

Review Photos

KIIS: Traveling - Experience Italy (Summer) Photo KIIS: Traveling - Experience Italy (Summer) Photo

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.

* 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? No

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? 75 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know exactly what you WANT before you get there, and don't let any of the vendors talk you into buying something you don't truley want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? 0
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? Find some friends who are also going and PRACTICE.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Professors
  • The History
  • Truffles.
* What could be improved?
  • Better Hotels
  • Better Wifi Access
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That almost everyone else in the program would be more into the wine, than they would the architecture.

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!