The most incredible trip I have ever experienced! Past Review
By abbey.johnston.39 (Athletic Training/Coaching/Dance, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/02/2013 to 06/28/2013 with
University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in Southern Italy
I learned not to take things for granted here in America.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed learning about the culture and especially the history of Italy! It was an absolutely beautiful country. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My professor, Chad Heinzel was absolutely wonderful. He is so interested in the students learning and sharing information with us. He answered all of our questions to the best of his ability. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was happy with our living arrangements, we had different types of lifestyle throughout the four weeks. |
| * Food: |
I was willing to try anything, and if you are your experience will definitely be better. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone stared at us because of the way we dressed or looked. We definitely didn't look like your typical Italian people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
If I was sick I was helped taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe with the amount of guys we had and our Professor helped us in knowing what to do and what not to do. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I had quite a bit of money to spend, although the food and drinks cost a lot more than I was expecting. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save more than you think in case of emergencies. If you think you have enough, save more. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We tried to learn different words in order to talk to people. We did very well communicating. |
| 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? | Spanish 3. |
| 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? | Look up words before you go. Talk to a professor, if they know the language and start to learn early. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have packed a little differently. |
