Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most challenging and rewarding semester of my life. Past Review

By (Finance, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/13/2015 to 05/15/2015 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 a lot about myself and how to be independent. It was definitely worth going and I would do it over and over again if I could.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not personally applicable

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each travel weekend I would spend around $100-$150 including all travel expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Booking trips further in advance will save you money. Look into different means of transportation. Hostels typically are safe and clean.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I regret not using the language more. It is difficult and awkward at times to try and pick it up but it would have been very useful if I put in the extra effort.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The faculty and staff at school were very nice and helpful.
  • We got set up with a nice, affordable place to live and friendly landlords.
* What could be improved?
  • More group trips would have been nice to get to know everyone in my program better.
  • More suggestions of what to do in the area would have been helpful.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It was not as easy of a transition as I expected even being a person who is used to not seeing my family often. Take advantage of your home city more. Never stop appreciating your experience.

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.