Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A trip of a lifetime with memories to last forever! Past Review

By (Mathematics Teaching, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/20/2014 to 08/05/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from my time abroad. I was able to observe the differences in culture, especially in verbal and non-verbal communication. I learned a little bit of Italian. I also learned a lot about myself. When you're in a different country with 18 others, you learn about yourself as an individual, your thoughts on the world, the way you interact with others, and the way you bond. This trip was definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

I had never stayed in a hostel prior to this trip, so it was a very new experience. At first it was a weird adjustment, but well worth it from all of the people we were able to meet.

* Food:

Not only can you go out to any little restaurant or cafe for amazing food, but little supermarkets were also a great way to cook for yourself and stick to a budget.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During a day trip, I stepped on a sea urchin while on a rock beach. The injury was small, but we handled it right away. Although I never needed a pharmacy, there were many scattered throughout every city we were in.

* Safety:

I never felt like I was in danger while in Italy. The only warning/advice I would give to future students is to never leave your valuables unattended. This also means to wear your backpack on your chest or always have a hand on your purse. Pick-pocketing is very popular, especially in the bigger cities such as Rome or Milan. We also went out on the town quite often, but always make sure you're with a couple others.

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)

Europe as a whole is generally more expensive than the US. If you are on a budget, it's easy to split meals with people or go to supermarkets for cheaper options. I had saved up quite a bit and indulged myself in the Italian food culture.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably spend around $600 total, so approximately $250/week. This was on dinner, nightlife, and souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up as much as you can prior to the trip. Split meals, especially pizzas and wine or water. Carry a water bottle with you so you're not constantly buying water. Don't buy every little thing you see, but to splurge occasionally on really cool items.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Having so much fun with my group no matter what we were doing.
  • The amazing sights/architecture.
  • The food!
* What could be improved?
  • An extra free day in Venice!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I wouldn't have been even slightly nervous. I made such great friends that I did not know before the trip as well as experiencing an amazing culture.

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.