Take off to Italy Past Review

By (Elementary Education (still attending), Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/14/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the different techniques used in elementary schools use and I plan to use some in my classroom when I begin teaching.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Great food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I researched information on Italy before our trip, which made me feel more comfortable with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Our professors and our guide were always cautious and gave us good advise during our trip.

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? In between $200 and $300.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Research your costs, and eat cheap.

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

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? Do a beginner cd and at lesat learn words that are constantly used, especially for travelers.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Learning about a new culture.
* What could be improved?
  • The last hotel we stayed in was not that impressive, compared to the first hotels we stayed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More of the language.