Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Terrible and a Waste of Money and Time. Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/11/2012 to 05/31/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Rome, Florence and Venice - Psychology in Italy, Maymester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that you have to be positive in a very bad and negative situation

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt as if this course did not have a purpose or point. Dr. Ludorf stated many times "This course has no purpose, I just wanted to go to Italy." Dr. Ludorf did not keep up with grading or took attendance. He also organized tours that would last for about 5-6 hours with NO breaks... The tours had NOTHING to do with our required readings.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dr. Ludorf stayed in a apartment half way across town, and did NOT give directions as to where to find him.

* Food:

The food was good, when Dr. Ludorf would allow for us to stop and eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

there were many times that Dr. Ludorf would leave students behind. Or the students would get lost, and he would not attempt to find them.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • having 2 free days
* What could be improved?
  • Not having tours that lasts 5-6 hours
  • allow breaks for food and resting
  • have a professor that actually teaches the course and doesnt leave anyone behind
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew not to go on this course due to the professor.