Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

From the "Lost American" to the Italian local Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/15/2016 to 05/29/2016 with

University of Northern Iowa: Service Operations Management in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to have an open mind. Many people think that European culture is similar to Western Culture however, once you live and experience it. You find that there is much to learn.

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

I would like to return to Italy, the professor and group made the experience more enjoyable. It would be nice to stay in other parts of Italy to experience a new atmosphere.

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? $135
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of grocery stores and eating in your own apartments. You will want to try all the food but after a while, it starts to accumulate.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Organization of activities
* What could be improved?
  • More freetime
  • More meals included
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Packing light is essential because there will be a lot you will want to bring back. Also, public transportation is a way of getting from one place to another so it is important to have background knowledge before going on your own.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.