Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I would do it again in a heart beat! Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/01/2012 to 06/01/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Traveling - Art History

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met a lot of people in my area that I'll be friends with for a long time. I learned things about art that I never knew. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone.

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.

It was really educational and I learned a lot, but it wasn't difficult or boring.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great hotels for groups. The beds were a little stiff and the internet never worked, but it was ok.

* Food:

The food was definitely made for groups. Sometimes the meat was kind of interesting, but it was ok.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We pretty much stayed as a group the whole time. There was a small amount of interaction with the Italians, but there could've been more.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-$400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save enough money so you don't feel like you have to hold back on any experience due to money issues.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • The professor was AMAZING!!
  • Italy was the best place to go in Europe.
  • I learned things that I didn't even plan on learning.
* What could be improved?
  • Better housing in the Cinque Terre.
  • I would've liked to be informed before leaving to Italy that we would be providing our own meals in Venice.
  • Better packing list. There are more than just "a couple cathedral and church days". Everyday is a church day and the next group should be informed to pack only modest clothing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack more modestly and bring lots of smell good sray because by the end of the trip, even the clean clothes start smelling weird.