Great but American-centric Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/09/2012 to 07/21/2012 with
Arcadia: Florence - Italian Language and Culture in Florence
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A knowledge of a different culture and cultural norms (and appreciation for the food and language). An understanding of what makes me comfortable and uncomfortable in a new environment. Flexibility. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
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? |
Program provided me with name and information for a great doctor. The doctor was British and focused on expats and abroad students, but the pharmacy system and getting antibiotics in Italy were very easy. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at home! |
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 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | I'd need to make my own concerted effort to absorb local culture and avoid being around only other americans and tourists. |
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