An unforgettable, must-repeat experience!! Past Review
By A student (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
This experience will change my entire future. I will have experience in traveling, in knowing other cultures, and in helping me navigate around a foreign country without fearing culture shock. It helped me gain knowledge in a sense that will change my attitude towards a better/healthier lifestyle. I learned about the historical aspects of our world in a way that science and religion are derive from one belief. This experience was very worthwhile!! Italy was a fantastic host! I absolutely fell in love the country.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much from all the tours that we took! They were all very informative and awestruck. The culture was overall impressive. It's hard to believe how much still remains from Ancient Roman times. Our class discussions allowed us to think about how much, if any, we have progressed from ancient times. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments were a great experience. |
| * Food: |
Excellent. Authentic Italian food is never a shame! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although we spent the majority of the time in tourist areas, the culture of Italy was very noticeable. Since we spent a week in each city (Rome, Florence, and Venice), we were able to enjoy living as "true" Italians. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We stayed in [apparent] safe areas of the city and walked in safe zones. Even at night, we felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It was a little difficult living on a US college student's budget. Although, the Euro was cheap at the time, I still felt like I was buying the cheapest thing on the menu! Nevertheless, it was a great experience and the food was delicious. |
| * 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 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Aside from food, we lived to shop for souvenirs! When you're in a country that is a world-wide tourist attraction, you want everything. It's important to know in advance what you want to bring back. Also, plan to cook your own food, so that you have extra money for souvenirs. Check in different places for an item that you may want. Different places may sell it for different prices. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have been fully-aware that our tours were going to be back to back and walking was going to become very tiring! We were told, but it's hard to believe until we experience it. |
