Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worth It Past Review

By (Cognitive Science, University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 06/26/2015 to 08/01/2015 with

UC San Diego Global Seminars: Parma - Social Cognition and Drugs in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was my first time out of the country so I had no idea what to expect. But I learned that going to another country is in itself a learning experience, even though I did go there to take classes, I think the thing I took out of this experience the most were the friends I made and the different places I was fortunate to go to.

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?

I didn't have any experience.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you can, buy from the supermarkets and cook at your apartment.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Being in Italy
  • The classes
  • Being able to travel to other countries
* What could be improved?
  • Add more planned trips
  • Add a lab portion to the class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to speak Italian. That's probably the only thing that made my trip difficult.

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!