I love my country, but this gave me the desire to continue exploring Past Review
By Jesse M (Film/Cinema/Video Studies., University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 05/04/2013 with
AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There is a sense of maturity that falls upon someone who studies abroad on their own. Based on where I came from I always believed I could adapt to any culture, and after this experience I was proven to be right. I was on my own, and don't get me wrong, I would have loved to go with friends, but in all honestly I think someone is better off breaking away from their comfort zone, and in order to fully do it, it has to be done on its own.
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. |
|
|
* 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: |
|
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I cannot quite remember right now, but depended on where I traveled to. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When you get there, you will end up spending a lot more money then you initially thought you were going to, so try and just be cautious of that. |
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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Just a few years in high school |
| 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? | No matter where you go in your country, try and speak it to every native. Even if they want to switch to english, try and push through with the foreign language. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How much money I would end up truly spending, and yes to everything. |
Featured Program Providers
