Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It's not better or worse, just different. March 07, 2021

By (Universita' degli Studi di Napoli Federico II / University of Naples Federico II) - abroad from 01/10/2019 to 06/07/2019 with

EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I came back home a different person. I learned to adapt to new situations and to manage my money and time. I grew up during that semester more than I ever did.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I attended an american high school for a semester and I was treated exactly like an american student, I had classes everyday for various subjects and had a fair amount of homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The people in charge of the program on site were very careful to fulfill all the needs of the exchange students and never made us feel alone nor out of resources.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in a host family and a member of the staff often checked in to make sure that everything would go smoothly.

* Food:

The host family provided food for me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had many chances to become an active part of the community and take part in sports teams, clubs and activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My insurance covered any expenses for injuries, and I could even do some therapy session when I needed them

* Safety:

I spent my semester in the suburbs San Diego, and even though I was well protected by the EF staff and my host family, I was still a 17 year old in a foreign country by myself, and one needs a minimum amount of street smart to have such an experience. I never felt threatened or in danger but of course I would suggest to avid being outside alone at night and trusting strangers, as well as one would do at home.

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)

Most essentials were provided by the host family, so I could easily manage my money. Leisure in america is more expansive than it is in italy though, so I had to learn how to spend my money wisely.

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

I hade no chances of speaking my mother language, I spoke only english 24/7

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Cambridge C2 prep course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Read a lot, practice listening with movies and songs

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff always available and nice
  • Possibility to choose the location
  • good price-performance ratio
* What could be improved?
  • companywise really nothing
  • companywise really nothing
  • companywise really nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is not easy as it seems to become integrated. It takes time, patience and a very open mind. Trust the process.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.