Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Such a great semester! Past Review

By (Architectural History and Criticism., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

Wells College: Florence Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about living with different personalities as well as different cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was very surprised by just how substantial the courses were, especially the ones that pertained to my major. I felt like I actually learned useful information rather than just sitting through classes with no relevance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was put together extremely well! Our program advisors were so helpful and did everything they could to make our transition as easy and fun as possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments our programs found for us were beautiful and were in prime locations.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was a little disappointed with just how touristy the city was. Living right in the city center, it was hard to be exposed to authentic Italian culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I usually wasn't out very late so I can't really comment on safety after midnight. However, I never felt unsafe when I was out and about exploring the city alone.

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)

I cooked most of my meals and was able to live off of around $50 a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook most of your meals yourself

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

This is definitely not a program for someone who is interested in becoming proficient in 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

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

  • International Students
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 program advisors were so helpful, the living arrangements were great, and the classes were actually useful.
* What could be improved?
  • I honestly thought everything was great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known about the university sponsored field trips so that I could have been prepared to pay upfront for them upon arrival.

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!