Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A crazy new learning experience Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 06/22/2014 to 07/19/2014 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Venice - Istituto Venezia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Italian culture and the language. I learned that people from other countries are still like me and we still like the same things. Some things are more universal than I thought. It was definitely worth while!

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?

I lived with an Italian woman, and it was great to speak to a native on a daily basis. She was very sweet as well.

* Food:

The food was good, but different. It actually didn't have a much taste as we have in our food here in America.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone could tell I was an American, so while I was out and about, the local people would just speak to me in English.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no real experience with the health system during my stay in Venezia. But before leaving I was issued an insurance card, so I'm certain if there had been a problem, it would have been taken care of easily.

* Safety:

Overall, I felt very safe. I never had anyone try to steal anything from me. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, and act a little like you know what you are doing, you should be fine.

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)

I saved a lot of money for this trip. But I still had to pay close attention to how much I was spending, and I almost ran out.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably close to 100 euro.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't take all of it with you at once. I left my money with my boyfriend back home and had him deposit it on a needed basis.

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

We only spoke in Italian at the Institute. And at home I only spoke in Italian.

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 202
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? Don't study the text book phrases so much. They are set up. Try to learn the language in a natural setting. Watch movies in the language or read books. Apply it to everyday life.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 students were from all over the world
  • The teachers were really Italian
  • I could do whatever I wanted outside of class
* What could be improved?
  • Having a syllabus
  • Having people arrive a little earlier
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? While I was there I was too worried about embarrassing myself by saying something wrong, that I didn't speak as much as I would have liked. Most of those people I will never see again, so I should have just went for it.

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!