Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best 5 months of my life. Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/09/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

USAC Italy: Reggio Emilia - Education, Health, Communications, and Italian Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about european cultures, especially Italian culture. I have made friends from around the entire world. It was more than worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

There was a bit of inconsistency in that one does not necessarily get to choose how much they pay in that they don't get to choose their own living arrangements.

* Food:

We didn't get fed by the program, but during events the food was always good.

* 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 made amazing friends, went to an amazing program, and was able to travel and study while doing it.

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? 50 Euros including dinners/drinks while out
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget out specific amounts each week and and write it down so you can stick to it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Talk to students at the host school, talk to neighbors, talk to people at stores.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Cultural oppurtunities
  • Friends made
  • School trips
* What could be improved?
  • housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much housing would cost. We ended up spending more on housing than what the maximum cost was supposed to be.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.