Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It Was Both What I Expected And Completely Different July 17, 2022

By (Rehabilitation Services, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/01/2022 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 gained new friends. I had met some of the students before the trip, but I never would have gotten close to them without this opportunity. I gained new experiences. I love to travel, but I never would have seen Italy the way I saw it on this trip if I went by myself. I want to continue traveling in the future and this program was a great opportunity to learn about how I want to travel.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

While there are certain things I would do differently if I got to go back, I wouldn't go with a different program. I got to meet students from my school, within honors, who have similar interests and priorities. I got to have new experiences and see a place I have always wanted to go. I got to travel without my parents for the first time and gain that experience, but I still had the support of my peers.

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)

The program provided 3 meals a day Monday through Friday unless we traveled during the week. You were on your own for food on the weekends and the organized trips, except for a few meals where the program covered the group. You could usually find a meal in town for about ten dollars though. Most of my money was spent on souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $150/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find a grocery store early. There will be some days that you don't feel like going into town for all three meals, or you might not want to spend the money on a gourmet dinner. Having the option of a cheaper meal, or snacks, allowed me to put the money towards more experiences and memories.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Were we encouraged to read the menus and signs around town, but most people spoke English and were willing to work with you as long as you attempted at least a "Ciao."

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had taken no courses in Italian.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I tried to learn through Duolingo, but its process didn't really work for me. My best advice would be to find a show or story that you know and try reading or listening to it in the desired language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people.
  • Having freedom while maintaining structure.
* What could be improved?
  • The location of the housing in relation to the center of town.
  • Access and use of alternate transportation from our location.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the town where we were staying before going. For most of the trip, I was just following the group when we looked around town. I wish I had the confidence to step up and stand up for myself when it came to what I wanted to do. I was afraid of what the others would think of me, but now I know we were all thinking that.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.