A summer to remember Past Review
By A student (Italian culture studies, University of Connecticut) - abroad from 06/24/2014 to 07/24/2014 with
AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program
You gain a respect for the culture, and learn hands-on for your classes
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Well fit academic calendar for the summer session, and excursions in the city with the class and professor. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Any question you have, the office will help answer for you! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in a beautiful, secure neighboorhood. |
| * Food: |
Italy is the home of the world's best food! Provided at orientation is also a packet with trustworthy restaurants, bars, and supermarkets. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As long as you are aware of your surroundings, you will be fine. Tip: bring a cross-body bag instead of a backpack |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Included in the program cost are food vouchers that can be used at local restaurants, bars, cafes, and supermarkets. If you coordinate with your roommates and plan well, you will not spend too much money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use the vouchers to get food from the markets and cook at home. Local produce is very inexpensive and delicious, and can be integrated with pasta for a home cooked Italian meal |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Being in another country, it is only polite to try to adapt to the langauge of the country. Language classes are offered at a variety of levels |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Conversation, compisition, classes fully taught in 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? | Study phrase books |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That it would be this hard to leave! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
