It has sparked a wanderlust fire in me. Past Review
By lauren F (Visual and Public Arts, Santa Reparata International School of Art) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/19/2013 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy
I learned that I can do anything outside of my comfort zone including leaving home, learning a new language and living in a forgein country. To this day, a year later, it is all that i talk about.
Review Photos
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? |
It was straight out of ikea. AMAZING |
| * Food: |
Let's just say I ate my weight in pasta and gelati |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You have to force your self across the arno to meet locals |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got an ear infection and a bladder infection. Both were immediatly handled and all costs were reembursed when I returned home. |
| * Safety: |
Try to blend in when you go out. Don't let your clothes scream american. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | like $30-65 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Travel smart thats the best way to save money. STAY AWAY FROM SHOPPING |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400 in Spanish |
| 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? | Speak it even though you think you sound horrible. The locals appreciate it. |
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? |
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 wish I would have known how to pack better. More tossables and less clothes |
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! |
