Ciao bella! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/02/2013 to 06/27/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in Southern Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, life, and priorities. It was an eye-opening experience. I feel a definite sense of accomplishment over the feats I achieved on the trip. It also ignited a curiosity in the culture that I will have forever.

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 a lot, but also had enough freedom to have a good time!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food tasted amazing and we had opportunities to try several different types of dishes we might not have here in the States. However, I didn't realize we would have to pay for so many meals out of pocket.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Travel in numbers, especially if you are a female, and especially when you're in Rome.

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 conversion rate kills ya!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out the people you are buying souvenirs for ahead of time. Also, make a budget for yourself each week and stick to it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • Freedom
  • Fun
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Lodging in Rome
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Most public restrooms don't have toilet seats or soap over there. I also wish I would have learned to speak Italian before embarking on the trip.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'