Wonderful and Eye-Opening Past Review

By (University of Nevada, Reno) - abroad from 08/30/2016 to 12/20/2016 with

USAC Italy: Viterbo - Intensive Italian Language, History, and the Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about what really matters in life. Studying abroad was extremely worthwhile.

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.

Plenty of resources, but the courses were not rigorous. In general, for college classes, they were easy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was very small compared to fellow students'. I lived outside the walls but across the street from the university. I would have rather lived inside the walls closer to the other students.

* Food:

Italian food is the best food I've ever eaten.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never experienced any health issues so I cannot say if healthcare was difficult to access.

* Safety:

Viterbo is a very safe city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Viterbo was a wonderful city. I loved that it was small, which forced me to use Italian. In addition, it was very cool to see all the traditions of the town.

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)

Easily for the most part. I spent about $1000/month

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Unsure
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook at home.

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

Viterbo is a small town and nearly all the locals understand very little 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? Use it as much as possible.

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
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?
  • Location
  • Language
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • My specific apartment
  • Other students didn't care about leaning, hindering my learning experience
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I packed less.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!