Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Summer Ever Past Review

By (Graphic Design., Mississippi State University) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 05/31/2012 with

Study Abroad at SRISA: Accredited Semester - Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad is the most important thing that I can recommend to any college student. You will gain world experience and get out of you comfort zone. Studying abroad helped me to see outside of my Mississippi bubble and look at art in a new way.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

The housing arrangements made by the school were nice, but very expensive and I think we could've found somewhere cheaper to stay that was just as nice.

* Food:

Italian food is the most delicious food in the world.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A -- I had no health issues

* Safety:

Florence is very safe--it felt much safer even than the city I live in in the USA.

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)

I did not budget very well, but it could be done fairly inexpensively by someone who plans well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery store rather than eating at restaurants for every meal. Don't go overboard on souvenirs, don't buy clothes at every cute store you see.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • traveling
  • italian art
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Money goes very quickly in foreign countries.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!