Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

La Mia Dolce Vita in Italia! Past Review

By (International Affairs And Commerce, University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 09/03/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

USAC Italy: Torino - International Business, Politics, Architecture, and Italian Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent and see the world in a new way. I gained a new sense of responsibility and appreciation for the people and world surrounding me. It was one of the best decisions I have made, and I would not change it for anything.

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.

* 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?

I did not have direct experience with the healthcare system, but my roommate was sick and had to visit the hospital. The healthcare system in Italy is very different than in America. We spent about six hours waiting for her to see a doctor. When she eventually saw the doctor he was not very helpful and gave her very basic advice, that would most likely not be appreciated in America.

* Safety:

As a whole, Torino is a pretty safe city. Like any other place, it is not advised to walk around by yourself late at night. You should just exercise good judgement. On the other hand, Italian men can be very aggressive. It is best to not dress extremely provocatively.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20-25 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think it is best to create a budget after your first few weeks abroad. It is very easy to spend a lot of money on shopping and dining out, but it is important to keep in mind that these things will add up and you may want to save for more important expenses,

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second Semester Beginning Italian
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? I think it is important to try and fail. You should try to use a new word everyday, and practice what you learned.

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?
  • access to travel
  • the food!
  • meeting international friends
* What could be improved?
  • Some Academic policies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that Italians are not necessarily as friendly as Americans, they are typically more reserved.

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.