Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The absolute best time of my life. Past Review

By (HISTORY., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 04/28/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I'm more outgoing and more adventurous. More confident. It takes a certain something to fly across the Atlantic Ocean by yourself and to submerge yourself into a country where you don't even know the language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

We were able to make our own food. It was a bit difficult without an oven though.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 2,000

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? None
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? Beginner
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

  • 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?
  • I absolutely loved my roommates. They were from all over the country and we lived in an apartment with actual Italians.
  • The location of our apartment and school were perfect.
  • They had planned field trips to various cities
* What could be improved?
  • More meal plan options.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it will all be alright. You will make friends.