Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing 2 weeks in Italy Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 12/26/2018 to 01/06/2019 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Winter Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the most important things i learned and gained from this experience is knowing my future career. This trip allowed me to see what I am truly passionate about.

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.

This trip was an amazing experience. There was the perfect balance of class time and free time. The Professors were available after hours for any assistance and I learned a great deal in such a short span of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved the housing. It was right in the middle of the city which allowed for us to be apart of the city more often rather than if we were in the middle of nowhere.

* Food:

The food was really amazing and affordable. There were many restaurants close by so there was something for everyone, even with someone like me who has many dietary restrictions.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One thing that I wish we had was more interactions with the locals. I felt most of our class time was spent in Museums which was great but we did not get to interact with locals much. I wish there was a day spent with interacting with the people, if one wanted to do that it would have to be done during our own free time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did need vaccination before leaving for Italy and my home institution did a great job in helping me know what i needed. There were a couple of people who got a cold on this trip, myself included. I had a cold for two weeks after returning but that's expected anytime one goes to a new environment especially in the winter.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in this country and it helped that I took all the necessary steps to stay safe such as always having partner with me or carrying a fanny pack instead of a purse.

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

I would choose the same program because i would have not thought to visit some of those places by myself if i had went on my own. There were certain places that were life changing and i met some amazing life long friends.

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? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to follow the budget you set before you go and to bring extra just in case you end up spending more.

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
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Structure/Fashion
  • Food/Culture
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Choice of Venues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew just the amount of free time we would have so that i could have done some research on places to visit during that time.

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 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.