Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Totally worth it! Past Review

By (Saginaw Valley State University) - abroad from 05/19/2016 to 07/20/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to better manage myself and my time. I was also able to become more confident in myself overall, I was able to thrive and travel all by myself for two months. I definitely think the experience was worthwhile.

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:

* 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

I absolutely loved my classes and I definitely think taking two months to really explore Italy was a good choice. I was able to visit my main attractions at a slower pace that allowed me to really soak it all in.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving as soon as you can. Really think about whether you really need that coffee, shirt, etc. because whatever you don't spend now, you'll be able to use on your trip for travel, gifts, museums, and experiences.

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

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Length
  • School Led Trips
  • Friendliness of Faculty
* What could be improved?
  • Free weekends for students to travel on their own
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a little more Italian, I was able to pick up on basic phrases and question fairly quickly but I would have enjoyed knowing more. I also would have liked to know that most of Italy does not use air conditioning.

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!