Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trip of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Public Administration., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/02/2013 to 06/27/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in Southern Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That there is more to life than just staying in Iowa/America. I thought it was very worthwhile, I've only been outside Iowa 12 times and never saw the ocean ever. So this was quite the experience to go across the ocean to see it for the first time.

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

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to eat different foods. If you are a really picky eater, it is going to be hard to find what you like.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met on the trip
  • Seeing all of the historic sights.
  • Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, and all the beaches we went to.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, I anticipated that things were going to be different than the luxuries that I'm use to.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That a lot of places didn't except credit/debit cards. Be safe, get euros.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.