Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing in the country - not so good before hand. Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/11/2012 to 05/29/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile - I learned a lot about the Italian culture and how different, yet similar it is. I learned how big, but small the world really is. I learned I want to travel more! It opened my eyes to all that's really out there.

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.

Good mixture of academics and just seeing the country - which was really the most educational thing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hostels we stayed in were very clean and nice! Much better than I was expecting.

* Food:

Amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have liked to know more about the culture before I went.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
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? Buy food from the grocery store, instead of eating out all the time!! Also, split meals with people.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Experiencing the different culture and being able to just walk around and immerse myself in the culture/city.
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation before hand and also giving more information about the sights we saw while we were there.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To expect to have to take out a lot of cash. To bring a wide range of clothes. To bring a guide book.