Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

La vita bella 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?
It was definitely worth it! I made a lot of memories and friends of both locals and other university students. I learned a lot from my classes abroad and made a lot of great artwork thanks to the teachers in the program!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

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? about 1500$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead and save up as much as you can. Don’t waste money on little things, clothes, or food while you’re home. Every penny adds up and you’re going to wish you spent that money on food, clothes, or traveling while you’re abroad rather than when you were home.

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If you can take classes before going, and practice as much as you can. Even while abroad if you try to speak the language, native speakers will appreciate your effort and help you out as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* 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?
  • The location
  • Traveling
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • More free days/a break for traveling on our own
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I prepared more language wise and practiced speaking.

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!