The most incredible trip I have ever experienced! Past Review

By (Athletic Training/Coaching/Dance, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/02/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in Southern Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned not to take things for granted here in America.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed learning about the culture and especially the history of Italy! It was an absolutely beautiful country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My professor, Chad Heinzel was absolutely wonderful. He is so interested in the students learning and sharing information with us. He answered all of our questions to the best of his ability.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was happy with our living arrangements, we had different types of lifestyle throughout the four weeks.

* Food:

I was willing to try anything, and if you are your experience will definitely be better.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone stared at us because of the way we dressed or looked. We definitely didn't look like your typical Italian people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If I was sick I was helped taken care of.

* Safety:

I felt safe with the amount of guys we had and our Professor helped us in knowing what to do and what not to do.

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 had quite a bit of money to spend, although the food and drinks cost a lot more than I was expecting.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save more than you think in case of emergencies. If you think you have enough, save more.

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

We tried to learn different words in order to talk to people. We did very well communicating.

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? Spanish 3.
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? Look up words before you go. Talk to a professor, if they know the language and start to learn early.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Getting free time to do what we want
  • Being able to make lifetime connections with people
  • Having memories that will last forever
* What could be improved?
  • The travel arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have packed a little differently.