Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Intersession - 2 weeks really can change your life! Past Review

By (Real Estate., St. Cloud State University) for

St. Cloud State University: Italy & Greece - CMTY 410 - Eternal Cities of Italy & Greece

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am going to school for development, and now I have a desire to build beautiful buildings that people want to look at and are proud to have in their communities. And I also want to build things that are the least harmful to the planet, because there is an entire world outside of us that we should be considering.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

I felt safe in every city we went to.

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? I would safely guess I spent around $100 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make sure your check cards will work over there, and budget enough food and emergency money to last until the end of the trip.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? anyone in community planning or development should seriously consider this program.