Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Tasty and Visually Stunning Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 11/19/2018 with

University of Georgia: Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES. I grew up a lot, and it was a forced independence that I really value that helped me grow.

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

Kris was an absolutely amazing program director who went above and beyond at every opportunity. If I could give her six stars I would.

* 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?

Again, thank you Kris!! I had food poisoning on an excursion to Florence, and she took me to the hospital and went beyond what a program director normally does.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was a perfect program for someone who's never been out of the country before.

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? Save it for food!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • FOOD
  • Director's attention to student needs
  • How the art classes were integrated with the surrounding culture and amazing visual imputs.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the program directors and schedule and the students. It was a little discombobulated and unorganized.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The language

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!