Ciao Tutti Past Review
By Alejandro V (Fine and Studio Arts., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 04/28/2012 with
Study Abroad at SRISA: Accredited Semester - Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design
Everything. It was totally worth it. I can't wait to go back on vacation with my soon to be wife and our kids and tell them how we were engaged here and we studied art.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought that the faculty at Santa Reparata was exceptional and very welcoming. I had everything taken care of and I felt that we all were a family. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment that they placed us in was beautiful and they even were able to arrange us together, since we were recently engaged. Our room mate was awesome too. |
| * Food: |
What can I say about the food. It was Italy! Even though we didn't eat out every day, thru abroadco we were taken to eat at a lovely restaurant called Lo Stravegante. This place was literally amazing. The markets around the city catered to us, and allowed us to make really great meals at home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everybody felt very friendly, the language was an initial barrier but that soon disappeared as we learned the language. I really didn't like the way that local men treated the women though. I felt that it was inappropriate at times, but I understand that this was just how things were. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the doctor a few times while I was there. I had the Flu, a few colds, and scabies. It was wonderful to meet with a english speaking doctor that took care of me immediately and for free. I couldn't believe this coming from America but it definitely made me feel comfortable. |
| * Safety: |
I was cautious about the crime at the beginning after a presentation from the police. But after being there for a period of time I grew accustomed to the way things went and the good and bad parts of town. I felt relatively safe. If I were a woman I probably would have felt different. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| * 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? | 175 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | cook food at home. Learn so local recipes and make them yourself. Also shop at dollar stores. They have most things and it really saved us a lot. If you are going to eat out. ask the locals. they give great advice. |
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 |
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| 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? | beginning Italian |
| 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? | Practice with each other. Once you get comfortable then go out and practice. Most of the people in your country will probably want to practice english. trade language instruction. it will help you make a friend and learn the language quicker. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That I could stay a few days after school gets out and travel around. Also to get a euro pass early so that I can travel for cheap. |
