The Best Decision of my College Career Past Review

By (University of Nevada, Reno) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 05/15/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained lifelong friendships, improved Italian language skills, personal growth and a greater sense of self and independence while abroad, as well as travel and cultural experiences I wouldn't trade for the world.

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

The on-site staff is incredible--kind, knowledgeable, helpful, and willing to go out of their way to insure our safety and comfort.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my apartment--it was more modern than most, within easy walking distance of the campus and central Viterbo--a lovely place to live for the year.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I have never felt as safe as I did walking through the walls of Viterbo.

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

Spending my junior year in Viterbo was by far the best decision I have ever made, I would go back again in a heartbeat.

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
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? Italian 112
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • location/ease of travel
  • food
  • friendships
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plan ahead to stay as long as possible--leaving will be more difficult than you think.