Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study abroad is a lifetime experience! Past Review

By (Northwest Arkansas Community College) - abroad from 06/01/2017 to 06/30/2017 with

NWACC: Study Abroad in Siena

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned much about the culture, the people, its traditions. I would do it all over again if I could.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Both the Italian and Photography programs were intense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotel was kept pretty well. Breakfast was good, I'm so glad breakfast was included. Rooms were kept clean. However, it is an old hotel and much needed updating.

* Food:

Hotel breakfast got boring after a while. Food was fresh, which I liked. Eating out got expensive. Some of us had small fridges in our rooms which helped. I would purchase ham and cheese at the supermarket and this helped keep down the cost.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

When in fieldtrips and activities around town, I felt we belonged. I took cooking classes and felt very close to the culture. When I was in class and out in the town, I felt very integrated. However, some of our classmates chose not to speak Italian, speaking English was easier.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need healthcare, but my friend did. We went to the local pharmacist and they were able to help right away.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Siena. I could walk out at any time of day, early in the morning for a jog, or late at night for a few drinks, and I had no problems.

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

I loved the experience, the professors, the town, the people. I plan to go back, even as a tourist, to learn more about this place.

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)

Food was expensive, especially when I had to eat out. I preferred buying some things at the supermarket to help me stay on budget. However, not all students had a fridge in their room. I would have preferred an apartment with a full kitchen to avoid eating out so much.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat a good breakfast at the hotel, since it is included. If you have a fridge, shop at a supermarket and try to eat at least one meal at home. When eating out, look for inexpensive places around town to enjoy a good meal without spending too much.

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

In class, my professors created activities where we had to communicate in Italian. In my class there were students from Korea, Japan, China, Philippines, Egypt, Greece, Sweden, and US. The only language we had in common was Italian. This made it challenging, yet productive, since we could only communicate in Italian.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? About 25 years ago, I had completed advanced Italian studies. Due to the length of time of not practicing, I considered myself a beginner.
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? Speak Italian to the waiter/waitress, to the concierge in the hotel, to the cleaning ladies at your hotel, to the cashier at the supermarket or store. It is through practice that you get better.

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

  • International 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 language experience
  • the cooking lessons
  • the culture
* What could be improved?
  • Food expenses
  • more language exposure
  • kitchen for us to cook
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have practiced more Italian. I felt like I was always playing catch up.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Italian & Photography
Course Department: Foreign Languages
Instructor: Cini & Cassandro, Chalfant
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Both Italian and Photography were challenging. I could have stayed in Italian A1 and gotten an A, or challenge myself to Italian A2 and learn more, even if I did not get an A. I chose to challenge myself. I had to walk more than my classmates, but it was worth it. I was grateful that Mr. Fish planned all the fieldtrips for us. I would not have visited those museums had it not been in our schedule. All of my professors were knowledgeable and well-prepared for class. I participated the same as I would have had I been in my home institution. I was assessed through tests, homework, and classwork.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am not sure how my credits transferred to my home institution.