Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fun and stressful experience August 11, 2022

By (Studio Art, Berea College) - abroad from 05/26/2022 to 06/23/2022 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about the world in general and about travel and interacting with others, as well as about the culture and art in Italy.

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.

I truly believe that the best way to experience a new place is to supplement your experience with learning. The intensity of the courses was perfect for this and did a great job of not being too overwhelming during and already overwhelming experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were kind and helpful most of the time, but unprepared for some of the challenges that came with study abroad and travel in a post-2020 world.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels that were booked for my study abroad experience were all very nice and pleasant to live in for my duration in each location

* Food:

While the food in Italy was always amazing, students had been put under the impression that more meals would be provided by the program and that not as much personal funds would need to be spent on basic meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very interesting to experience each location in a different way. In some places, we were located in an area that was not so tourist-y and really made you feel like a local, while other cities were just too big and un-intimate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare in Europe is definitely better than any that I have experienced in the US. The emergency room wait was very short and the staff was kind and considerate. On top of that, the cost was low to nothing. The only problem I had with healthcare was a language barrier that made it difficult to communicate with a doctor, especially without a human translator (we ended up using Google Translate). My program directors did an excellent job and helping me and understanding when I had health issues.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved the country of Italy too much to not choose to go again. If I could, I would choose the same location through a different program because of the issue of program directors not being the absolute best.

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)

While I am usually good at living on a budget, my experience abroad was a little stressful. I did not have sufficient funds to begin my travel and also was not expecting as many expenses as I had.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$200

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Food
  • Art
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Staff training on COVID proceedures
  • Amount of time in each location
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to efficiently get through an airport

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.