Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Italian New Year Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Berea College) - abroad from 12/26/2013 to 01/07/2014 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Winter Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about myself and how quickly I can adapt to a strange location. Though I was met with challenges (language barrier) and the timing was poor (during the holidays, away from family), I believe the trip was worthwhile. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program, and specific class, was highly informative and I learned a lot. I took a photography class, which was quite new to me, but the professor made it easy to understand. Overall, the program was well-organized and a lot of fun. Though it was short, I felt like it was full of learning experiences.

* 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?

Language barriers + a short time made the class a little uncomfortable at times.

* 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? $250.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and stick to it.

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

  • Local Students
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?
  • The instructors were so insightful about the locale.
* What could be improved?
  • More localized accommodations, rather than staying on the outskirts of the cities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that many European restaurants don't split checks. That would've had an effect on where/with who I had gone to dinner.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.