Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A new understanding of and compassion for my ELL students Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/14/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Early Childhood Education, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was very worthwhile. I have a new understanding of my ELL students because I got to experience what it is like not to know a language and to be in a new place. The trip also shaped my pedagogy in new ways.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I feel that there could have been more of an educational focus on the trip. There were few moments of reflection, and I feel that reflection should have been fostered after each school visit.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* 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? 200

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Visiting the schools
  • Visiting the museums
  • Visiting the winery
* What could be improved?
  • Chosen hotels
  • food
  • educational experience could be a lot better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel that I was prepared for the trip; however, I wish I would have had more of a plan for each city as far as what to see.