Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The trip I will never forget Past Review

By (Suffolk University) - abroad from 08/23/2016 to 12/10/2016 with

SAI Study Abroad: Rome - John Cabot University (JCU)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the ability to adapt to lifestyle changes as well as cultural differences. I was able to learn more about my heritage and the Italian culture. I also learned how to live alone and travel with friends. It was the most amazing experience that was worth every penny.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

SAI Programs was an amazing program who was always there and willing to help you.

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? $50-100 depending on if I were to eat out or at home.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be smart with your money when traveling on the weekends and spread your trips apart so you aren't traveling a ton in one month.

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? 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? Honors Italian in high school
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? Use the language as much as you can. The citizens of the host country will appreciate your efforts. I wish I practiced the language more and was more confident when speaking.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Orientation
  • Excursion
  • Independence
* What could be improved?
  • More excursions/events with the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before going on this program, I wish I knew how fast the trip was going to go by. I felt like I kept telling myself "I still have more time", but then all of a sudden, it was time to come back home.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.