Italy change my expectations of life and what I want to do with it. Past Review
By Ana G (International business, Kennesaw State University) for
Siena School for Liberal Arts: Siena - Semester & Summer Programs
This study abroad was worthy for me and my life in so many levels. Not only I gain a new family in another country, but I also learn in a short period of time a new language a new culture that I feel like I am part of it. I love Italy and I will go back in a heart bit, I also love that this experience made me think of all the wonderful things I want to do in my life and near future. I think everyone should have a life changing experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I think it is hard to compare because every school and every country has a different university system and rules. I think they are both great in their own matter and culture wise. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Siena School really meet all my expectations. Every staff and faculty member are very comprehensive and try their best to match you with families you will get alone just great. Also, they are always available at all times whenever you need them. They try to have some quality time with students in or after hours. The school, the program and everyone is amazing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I absolutely love the food from Italy. There wasnt anything I wouldnt like. I think their food is fresh and reach in flavors. What I loved the most is that people eat with a passion and they wouldnt let things go to waist. My host mother was amazing and every lunch she made was incredible. She will make her own bred and every day for lunch I had a different kind of pannini. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The only thing we did with the program was to go to a wine tasting. We had the weekends free to do whatever we desire so I did a lot of traveling within my groups of friends I made in the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We didnt really had anyone with health issues, but when someone wasnt feeling well the staff will always help us. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Any student who wants to go abroad will benefit from this particular program. Also, they will always need to be opened minded with the different culture and to try to be polite. I will suggest to study some Italian before going so language wouldnt be an issue because Italians will not speak to you in English unless they really have to, but they see it rude. Is fantastic being able to live with a family and enriched your life with the language, food and culture of this amazing country. |
