Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best class I've ever taken! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., 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?
I gained many close friends, the confidence to travel abroad, a look at life through a different perspective.

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.

I learned so much in so little time, but it was interesting and enjoyable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dr. Ludorf was excellent in taking care of scheduling.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments we stayed in were all very nice, and comfortable.

* Food:

The food was all very delicious, and so much more fresh than what we are used to in the U.S.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It took a few days to adapt to the culture but after that I felt very comfortable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Dr. Ludorf helped students get medicine when they needed it.

* Safety:

I felt safe in each city, but I recommend staying in pairs in case you get lost.

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)

I had the option of buying my own groceries and cooking at the apartment, but I ate out most of the time, so you could spend less if you needed to.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery store and try to minimize eating out if you can.

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

We interacted with locals, many of whom did not speak any English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
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? Buy a pocket guide book!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • People
  • Culture
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • The only complaint is the amount Italians smoke, but I can't think of anything the course could do better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Italian starting the trip.

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:

PSY 498: Mediterranean Influences on Psychology
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Dr. Ludorf
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class requires you to think outside the box. We went to new places everyday. Dr. Ludorf is very skilled and experienced in navigating through the cities. I went to every class, and even optional activities. We had to write papers before the trip, and on the trip we were required to keep a journal, we had seminars, and lecture participation.
Credit Transfer Issues: The class was taken through my home university so I did not have any problem with the credit.