Expanded Understanding of Self and Others July 12, 2022

By Megan B (Studio Art, 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?

Worthwhile describes the bare minimum of this study abroad experience. Even the times of stress or anxiety provided learning moments for each of us as we depended on each other for comfort. We were exposed to immense history, art, and culture that cannot be achieved in another way. Experience is everything. Students cannot hope to gain the same understanding through readings, class assignments, pictures, etc. Despite the financial implications, students should endeavor to have at least one experience abroad.

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 engaged daily in intellectual debate and discussion regarding topics relevant to the course material.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Dr. Tkacik's administration of the program is beyond enviable; his instruction took us to new heights in thinking not only about comparative strategies regarding government but also about the world around us and the people who inhabit it.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Casa Monteripido was an incredible location at which to study. As a working friary and a student residence, it overlooked Perugia and was quiet and peaceful. It even provided the opportunity to socialize with other students. Over the course of the month, we were permitted to use many of the facilities, including the laundry.
* Food:	The catering company through which we received our meals was run by wonderful people with excellent food and service.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Students were allowed to go out and explore the town of Perugia outside of class hours. This greatly impacted our integration into the local culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	No issues or experiences.
* Safety:	Perugia, even at night, had an atmosphere of safety, one of the police stations being incredibly accessible.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes This program drastically impacted my life academically, artistically, and culturally. Through the class, excursions, and interactions with others (including fellow classmates) I feel more prepared in my understanding of the world, hoping to travel more and experience more in the days to come.

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?	$100+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I would recommend not only saving money for pre-departure program payments/costs but also for meals and other expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans Other
* 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?	The balance of personal time/class/planned excursions Spending time with fellow classmates Having meals together outside of our accommodations
* What could be improved?	Excursions sometimes required more time than allotted (i.e., our time at Pompeii was insufficient)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish only that I was more financially prepared for extra expenses.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	American Government
Course Department:	Government
Instructor:	Dr. Michael Tkacik
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was intellectually challenging, encouraging students to engage in an expanded cultural understanding of the country and the subject of study. Each excursion presented an opportunity to become better acquainted with people of different backgrounds and origins as well as a better relationship between the student and the world to develop.
Credit Transfer Issues:	N/A