Italy: Wonderful Experience! Past Review
By Sarah W (Elementary Education, Stephen F. Austin State University) for
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Early Childhood Education, Italy
I learned so much information about education in another country and how it is similar or different. I also learned a great deal about what it is like to be an "outsider" when it comes to understanding a language. I brought back a lot of very useful information and ideas that I will definitely take into the classroom.
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. |
Although some of the school visits were very interesting, educational, and fun, there were also several visits that I felt were completely irrelevant to our purpose for being there. There were times when I felt that it was a complete waste of time to be at certain visits because I was not taking anything from it that would help me as an educator. I believe these visits which seemed irrelevant were due to a misunderstanding of our purpose for visiting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I am very happy that we were given the majority of our free time in Florence. Although I would've loved more free time in all 3 cities I really enjoyed getting to explore Florence on our own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
In Italy I feel that the best advice is to always be aware of your surroundings. There are pick-pockets everywhere and they really do look just like any other tourist. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Remember that the euro is worth more than the dollar so when something seems like a good deal in euros, be sure that it is still a good deal when you convert it to dollars. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My program did not have a foreign language component, but the survey would not let me select N/A and submit the form, so I have selected Yes. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is very important to go into a study abroad program knowing and understanding that that is exactly what you're going for -- to STUDY abroad. I believe that people go into the trip expecting to have fun and do whatever they want whenever they want and get frustrated and disappointed because they forget that this is still an educational experience. There is so much to be learned from study abroad and I truly feel that it is an experience that everyone should have! |
