Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy in a Month Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Southern Maine) - abroad from 06/28/2012 to 07/28/2012 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent. I gained a better understanding of the world around me, and saw what a world that doesn't revolve around America is like. It was an amazing month.

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.

* 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?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have enough cash so you don't have to keep going to the ATM and getting charged.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Passionate professors
  • Immersion in art and culture
  • Trying to navigate the city of Florence
* What could be improved?
  • Roommates
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying abroad is fun, but it's also a big change, and takes some time to adapt to.