Italy: Once in a Lifetime Experience Past Review

By Casey S (International Business, University of Nevada – Las Vegas) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes, study abroad helped open my eyes to the world. I recently returned from an internship in Rome which I can honestly say I probably would have never pursued had it not been for my time spent in Torino. It makes you want to challenge yourself and keep pushing to go somewhere new and exciting. It opens you up to new people and new cultures.

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.	The workload was intense but exactly the way a language should be taught. In order to learn a language, you must invest time everyday.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	USAC does a great job of integrating you into the society.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Very close to school!
* Food:	(Authentic) Italian food is amazing.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	You were able to go to school with Americans and Italians.
* 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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
Language acquisition improvement?	Talk to everyone in that language! Humble yourself and ask for help.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I would say attend every meeting that your university has to prepare you to study abroad. Utilize the resources available. They equip you a great deal and make you feel right at home. Although it is uncomfortable at first, that is what helps you to grow. It is necessary to improve yourself!