Life as a Professional Artist Past Review

By (Music, Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 05/28/2015 to 06/21/2015 with

Operafestival di Roma: Rome - Summer Opera Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
New experiences, friends and a lot of knowledge that will prepare me for the professional world.

Review Photos

Operafestival di Roma: Rome - Summer Opera Program Photo Operafestival di Roma: Rome - Summer Opera Program Photo

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up now and watch your expenses. Look around, there are many cheaper places to spend your money wisely.

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? Beginner
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? 4 years of High School French
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Jump in head first and start relating as much as possible. Stay attentive. There are soo many words that are used over and over in Italian.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
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?
  • Location
  • Duration
  • Purpose
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation
  • Food Plans
  • Timing (Program Start Date)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be more prepared. In this situation it wouldn't have hurt to be better prepared.