Unforgettable! Past Review
By Deanna Dial (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/12/2019 to 06/03/2018 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Rome, Florence and Venice - Psychology in Italy, Maymester
I learned about the history and traditions of another country and was able to take that with me back to America; I am grateful for the experience!
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 not only on how psychology has evolved since the philosophers time period and the ways the discipline has evolved, but I also learned about the countries history, culture, and way of life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
SFASU was our host, therefore, it was nice getting to have more one-on-one lecture/conversational time with our professor and colleagues. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our living arrangements were phenomenal! We lived in some of the nicest apartments in Italy and Greece, and were able stay right where the natives lived. |
| * Food: |
I really enjoyed our group dinners and our meals on our own. It was nice getting to experience a true Italian cuisine on every corner where we visited. Yes, they do have fast food restaurants like America, but I would highly recommend eating other native restaurants; you'll be getting your money's worth that way. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was hard being fully integrated with the culture, however, I was able to adapt to the culture and blend in to the best of my ability. I truly admire the Italian culture and way of life! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health issues were taken very seriously and an ultimate priority among the professor and assistant teachers. |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe during my time in Italy. However, I would never travel too far on your own; it is rather easy to get lost on the transit system, busing, and just by merely walking around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I feel more connected with the Italian Culture and feel as if this appreciation has allowed me to appreciate my own culture more. |
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) |
If you were able to manage your money well, you could only spend $100 a week. However, I wanted gifts, I cooked my own food, plus restaurant cost, and spent roughly $200 a week. |
| 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? | Bargain with side stands and see if you can save a few euros and cook your own italian food! Saves a ton when you combine money with friends for dinner at the apartment. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We used the duo-lingo app and was able to study the language more effectively this way. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| 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 would practice using the duo-lingo app, it helped me alot! |
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 made more time for visiting more museums and other historical places. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
