Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/17/2013 to 07/12/2013 with

Rome Institute of Liberal Arts: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the Italian culture, but I also learned more about American culture. I noticed the differences between both cultures and nations. My class allowed me to explore the topics of beauty and art and religion and how important they are to human cultures. I also learned how to dress better. Yes, my experiences were worthwhile.

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? $300.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The one tip that I have is to learn how to manage currency exchange rates. It was very difficult getting a decent exchange rate anywhere, so not only was everything already more expensive, but I lost much because of the exchange rate.

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? I have taken college 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? Just immerse yourself in it. Get the courage somehow and attempt to communicate even if it means looking silly. Make friends with natives.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

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?
  • I made friends that I think I can consider my intellectual peers because they displayed just as much if not more knowledge of great books.
  • I learned about the art and the importance of it in human culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Making the program longer!
  • Having a little more free time to explore the city for ourselves.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Italian. I wish I had read more of the Bible to understand some of the theological symbols within it. l wish I knew how Italians dressed so i wouldn't stand out like an American.

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!