Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Time of My Life Past Review

By (Business and Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/31/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was literally one of the best experiences of my life. Because the city was so small, you really got to immerse yourself within the culture and actually get to know the locals. You lived in your own apartments in a very independent setting. You were treated like adults and you had a lot of freedom, but responsibility as well. This particular program also had some awesome classes because it gave you a lot of hands on experience and you actually got to work with the locals of the city. It was such a great experience and I loved the classes that I took. It was completely worthwhile, and I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in studying abroad in Italy to do this particular program. I really loved it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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)

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Classes
  • Local Immersion
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Class Registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I took less suitcases and clothes. Also I wish I knew how much traveling was going to cost, and how much I was going to travel. You are always going to spend more than what you plan, so just keep that in consideration.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'