Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic Semestsr Past Review

By (International Business, Villanova University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

Villanova University: Faculty Led - Business and Culture in the Italian Context / BCIC

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained 30 new American friends that I can talk to on campus and I learned a lot about the world through travel and first hand experiences.

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.

I learned so much in BCIC, but the majority of the learning came through out-of-the-classroom experiences such as exploring new cities and businesses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was somewhat connected to the University of Urbino but not majorly connected.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Albergo San Giovanni is the reason why this semester was a success and was an essential piece in bringing the large group of students together.

* Food:

The Mensa food was okay, and it always had two options. I found no problem with eating it every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The staff and University of Urbino students really try to immerse the Americans into the local society and I felt very connected with the town.

* 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)

The majority of money was spent on weekend trips, not while in Urbino. The meal plan really saved me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside 2000-3000

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
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? Just try your best because the locals want to communicate with you and they'll support your efforts.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Housing forced us to talk and socialize.
  • Safety of the town and hospitality of the people.
  • The professors.
* What could be improved?
  • Less Italian structured class: less conversation.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it would never really get warm so I didn't have to pack so many shorts and tshirts. I also wish I knew that Italians really like Americans and that they want to be your friends because for a long time, they just seem pushy and forceful but the majority just want to talk.

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!