Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy, where gelato is never a question. July 11, 2022

By (Digital Media, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/31/2022 to 06/30/2022 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Honors American Government: Comparative Approaches to Democracy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that not everything goes to plan and having patience when things don't go the way you expect. I also learned that Italians live for quality not quantity. It was 100% worth my money, time, and effort.

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.

The class was the right level for honors students. It moved at a good pace and did not feel overwhelming. It was open discussion and everyone got to input their opinions and ask questions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing arrangements were spectacular. Our rooms were cleaned weekly and we had no maintenance issues.

* Food:

We had pasta everyday however, there was a lot of variety and healthy options. We were well fed and the food quality was really good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living at a monastery helped a lot with integrating in Italian culture. I did not feel like a tourist looking into a culture but a person living amongst Italians.

* 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

I would do the same trip over again because it simply was a good, educating, and life changing experience. It brought me out of my personal comfort. The group that went on the trip also clicked really well. There was no intense drama and everyone acted like adults.

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? 50.00

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Traveling with such a great group of students
  • The connivence of gelato
  • Taking trains to different places and seeing so much of Italy in a month.
* What could be improved?
  • Planning out tour guides and weekend excursions
  • budgeting the student's money better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known not to overthink about packing and not to worry what people think.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'