Experience of A Lifetime! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/11/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Rome, Florence and Venice - Psychology in Italy, Maymester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was most definitely worthwhile! I have gained knowledge that I never knew I would. I have more respect for other cultures now.

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 learned so much information during the trip, but in a good way! It was all so interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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 never felt unsafe; however, a couple of times there was a lack of knowledge aboiut where a person(s) were and I did not feel comfortable with that.

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? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know the amount of money you are willing to spend. Also, don't spend half your money in the first city you are in, although it is tempting.

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? I had only taken Spanish courses before, and we only had one class prior talking about the language.
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? Try talking with others on your trip. They are learning too, so it's a great way to help each other.

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?
  • Learning about the culture.
  • Seeing the art work and ruins.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication. There need to be more phones per apartment.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light! Getting on and off the trains was an experience!