Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I finally found the place I belong! Past Review

By (Deaf Education/Communication Disorders, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) for

Siena School for Liberal Arts: Siena - Semester & Summer Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned much about myself as I learned to adapt to a different culture - I loved being there - it was definitely the best experience of my life

Review Photos

Siena School for Liberal Arts: Siena - Siena School Photo Siena School for Liberal Arts: Siena - Siena School Photo Siena School for Liberal Arts: Siena - Siena School Photo Siena School for Liberal Arts: Siena - Siena School Photo

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.

I attended Siena School as a non university student thus there is not a comparison for me - the grading system was different than when I was in college but was explained to us and easy to follow

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not attend as a traditional university student - as i had been to Siena School for a two-week program the previous summer I knew what to expect

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was both challenging and rewarding to be with a host family - with the host family provided many experiences around real life in Siena but at times I felt frustrated in communicating as I did not have enough language to get to know them better - they treated me very well and I met many of their friends and family, I always felt welcome

* Food:

I lived with a host family - the food was great -

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Too many to list! Being in Italy for the 150 year of Unification was very interesting - in Siena there is always something going or someplace to go - I found it easy to travel around the country once I learned the bus and train system.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Siena and often walked home late at night - the staff was willing to go along with us if we needed to go to the farmacia or hospital and we did have insurance while we were there

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I learned more of the language when I was in the city - I found it easy to meet people and make friends -most people in the city spoke only Italian and several friends spoke only Italian and were willing to help me learn - I also had a Language Partner - I found that to be a huge help as I could ask her how to use what I had learned - or if I had heard phrase out in the community, I could ask her what they meant -

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The experiences that the school offered outside of school building
* What could be improved?
  • Sometimes changes or new opportunities were not told to us until the day of and would be via email
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Always remember that you are not in America and that norms are different for every country - keep an open mind and experience all that the country has to offer. Make the effort to meet people, most are very open, patient, and supportive.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

LIS
Course Department:
Instructor: Barbara Santos
Instruction Language: LIS
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Book Art
Course Department:
Instructor: Jennifer Storey
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was so much fun - and I have used the skills I learned to make books for students I teach
Credit Transfer Issues: NA
Course Name/Rating:

Italian
Course Department:
Instructor: Claudia
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: