A once in a lifetime experience! Past Review
By A student (University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 05/21/2015 to 08/01/2015 with
USAC Italy: Reggio Emilia - Education, Health, Communications, and Italian Studies
I learned to be more idependent and to focus on myself growing as an individual. It was the best experience of my life!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes I took were at a good academic level. I took a comparative global health issues and systems class and we were able to take numerous field trips to different hospitals in the area. It was awesome being able to see how the health care system works in a different country. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The advisors in Reggio Emilia were great and so helpful! They planned and went on field trips with us and made our study abroad experience so much better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with other USAC students. The location of our apartment was ideal as it was close to campus, downtown, and walking distances from other useful places like the grocery store. I shared a room with one other USAC student and we had two other roommates. The apartment was very spacious and we had our own kitchen to practice our Italian cooking :) |
| * Food: |
The food in Reggio Emilia was amazing. We were able to go to the Parmigano Reggiano cheese factory that is right in the middle of town. This was one of my favorite experiences while studying abroad because we were able to try the different types of cheese known in the Reggio Emilia region. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of my favorite things about this specific program was that Reggio Emilia is not a touristy place at all. We were emerged right into the local culture and experienced so many new things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We were shown the doctor's office we could go to if we were feeling ill. I never had an experience where I had to go, but the doctor was fluent in English so I felt very comfortable knowing that there was somewhere I could go if I needed help. |
| * Safety: |
I never had an issue with safety in Reggio Emilia. However, it is always best to walk in a group with other people wherever you are. |
| 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) |
It was very helpful having a kitchen in the apartment because I was able to make meals at home when I was trying to save money. However, because the food was so good, I always wanted to eat out! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | around $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much money as you can ahead of time. Try to plan your trips sooner because the prices will be a lot cheaper! |
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 were encouraged to use the language a lot! It was helpful to learn a little Italian because not a lot of the locals speak English. |
| 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? | none |
| 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? | Pocket language books or phone apps are very helpful! |
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? | 0 |
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? | The time will fly by, so enjoy every moment |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
