Best possible experience in the field! Past Review
By Madeleine Q (HISTORY., University of Ottawa) - abroad from 06/18/2012 to 07/27/2012 with
AIRC: Rome - Interdisciplinary Semester in Italy
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was more than worth it! It was for me a dream come true! I got to do something I am very passionate about. I got to live history and not just stand by on the side lines! It was hard work and very hot in Rome but it gave me a great sense of accomplishment. It was so much fun and I met some extraordinary people along the way. I was also very happy to have had the opportunity to travel on weekends and sightsee! It was better than I could have imagined and definitely something I should like to do again very soon.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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: |
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| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Avoid tourist traps! Some of the best restaurants are a little out if the way but the food is well worth it and costs are much lower! Going to the market and making your own meals also helps. |
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 |
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| 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 |
| 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? | Total immersion in the language and culture and a handy dictionary are the best ways to learn a new language. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | It is very hard work especially if you're not in shape! The heat is also something to think about! I was taken a little off guard by it being used to much cooler temperatures |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
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