Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beautiful views, wonderful people, amazing history Past Review

By (Theatre and Psychology, 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?
I learned a lot about myself and how I am able to handle new experiences. I also gained some great cultural experiences. It was worth the trouble beforehand and the headaches during.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were not overly challenging, but I really enjoyed applying what I learned to the culture I was experiencing. If they had been harder I would not have enjoyed my time the way I was able to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were few challenges and issues that I felt were not addressed with enough care. However, in general the administration was acceptable.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? find ways to eat meals in your room, because it is challenging to save when you can't cook and must go out to eat.

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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • landscape
  • history
  • people
* What could be improved?
  • leadership
  • living conditions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know know how to go about getting to another country (i.e. customs and flying)

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 Adventurer
The 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.