Friends, Wine, Pasta, Art, Oh my!!! Absolutely breathtaking, all of it! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 12/26/2017 to 01/06/2018 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Winter Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned mostly that Italy is the country for art! You really have to be prepared for the amount of art you are about to see! It was definitely worthwhile, in that, I have made new friends, experienced something I would not have been able to without Berea. I loved it so much!

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 environment of Italy was perfect for my class topic

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Hotels, and people were amazing! Made us all feel very comfortable!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotel was safe, and friendly! They made me feel right at home.

* Food:

Of course the food was amazing here!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt welcome, people did stare and laugh at some of the people I was with; however, we were two separate cultures who value different things! Therefore, it was slightly understandable, but inappropriate

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Full stars, because I did not need to experience it!

* Safety:

Never did I feel like my safety was at risk! I felt well protected by the professors and fellow students. We were there for each other!

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

Italy was always a bucket list destination! I have always been curious of the life outside of my own, in a place that I would love to call home! I enjoyed the beautiful look of Italy, the Italian culture, and especially the wine and food! A beautiful atmosphere, that felt just as safe!

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)

I managed to save up enough money to allow me to fully experience Italy! I took about $440

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would definitely suggest that people look into the places that they are going and understand the tipping, seating charges, etc., before going! Just so that they have enough to feel comfortable without too much of a shock.

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

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • Welcomed feeling
  • Professors knowledge of where he was
  • Opportunity to explore on my own
* What could be improved?
  • Not such heavy, rushed time to see all of the art pieces
  • More Breaks
  • More time spent with each other
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Tipping, cover charges, cultural diversity

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.