Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

La vita Buona all'estero ! The good life abroad Past Review

By (Sociology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/01/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

CET Siena

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more self confidence in myself in terms of traveling alone and being away from family for a period of time. Yes it was worthwhile and I would do it over if I could to reemerge myself into the culture and Italian life like I did when I was there.

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?

The housing was accommodated very well. I was satisfied with the housing I was giving and the Italian roommate I lived with was awesome!!

* Food:

The food was amazing! Nothing better than having real italian food from the country itself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated. Everyone was friendly and I was able to overcome my shyness to speak with others and improve my Italian as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was in the hospital for 4 days and the program was on too of everything. Everyone including my roommates made sure I was ok and had everything I needed. The difference between the hospital abroad and my local hospital is that they made sure I didn't leave until I was ok and took very good care of me.

* Safety:

Siena is by far the safest city in Italy. In regards to pit pocketed or else, everyone knows each other well and it's a great community to bond with. I felt like I was at home and people were not scared or ride when I asked questions to figure out where to go etc.

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)

Money was a big factor and would advise others to take a good amount with them when studying abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250 sometimes up to 400 if traveling to other cities
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would advise to bring a good $2,000-$3,000 with them.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 105
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? I would advise to always practice and talk to fluent speakers and roommates in the language. Practice makes perfect and only gets better once improved!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people
  • The events we went to as a group
  • The professors
* What could be improved?
  • Class promptness (starting in time)
  • Office hours that students can make throughout the day
  • More academic support and exam reviews
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known about the money exchange rate and how much to actually bring with me. Yes, a student budget works but not if one wants to buy things and when temptation kicks in to buy things, it gets hard to manage food, clothes etc.

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 Linguist
You 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!