Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Experience Past Review

By (English Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Italian/ European culture. I got to see some of the most historically famous and beautiful things. During my time abroad I visited 7 different countries and captured some of the most irreplaceable moments and memories, and made so many great friends. I will greatly value this experience for the rest of my life; I already miss my time there.

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.

classes were easy, academic resources meager

* 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?

did not learn much of the language because almost everyone spoke English

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

did not ever really apply to me while abroad

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

very expensive because I travelled a lot while abroad, but it could have been a lot more affordable

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't eat out everynight because that adds up and book flights/ trains sooner because they usually get more expensive if you wait

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none in Italian, but year 2 of Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? go to places where people don't speak English so that you are forced to practice and don't be shy or embarrassed if you don't know

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • long weekends to travel
  • easy classes
  • great city
* What could be improved?
  • better professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how expensive it was going to be. While I'm glad I got to experience so much, I definitely needed extra financial support from my parents in order to do so.

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.