Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was worthwhile, very educational, exciting! Past Review

By (Speech Pathology, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/11/2014 to 06/01/2014 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?
It was definitely worthwhile!! I learned so much about culture, navigation, adapting to new situations, and just the history of Italy itself!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was an excellent course, but was not hard academically. We learned LOTS but it wasn't full of essays, tests, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were fabulous!

* Food:

Great, but expensive at times.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was comfortable there, and at times felt like I belonged, but other times I felt I wish I knew the language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The Professor was always willing to assist those who got sick.

* Safety:

Make sure to carry small purses that are secured well. Two students were nearly pick pocketed, but thankfully had purses that were hard to get into.

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

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)

1- it was hard for me. If I cooked more in the apartment and didn't promise as many people gifts, it could have probably been much cheaper for me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at the apartments as much as possible. Go to grocery stores for snacks, sandwich stuff, etc. as much as possible Eat at bars Look at the Carbanara- if it's between 6-8/9 Euro it's pretty cheap.

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

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Tours we went on
  • Food
  • Going to Asiago
* What could be improved?
  • Whole class in one place
  • Food in budget
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Have good shoes you are used to walking in, EVERYWHERE (they are not kidding when they say it is a lot of walking). Know how to cook plenty of Italian dishes. The crowds are ridiculous -- make sure to plan your tours in the morning night.

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.