Perfect! Past Review
By A student (Undeclared, SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
International Center for Intercultural Exchange: Siena Italian Studies
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was completely worth while. I learned the importance of truly understanding a different culture in order to comprehend the pros and cons of being American. I also gained an appreciation for time, which is treated very different in Italy than it is in the states. Spending this time away from home and school helped me relax and view life in a broader sense.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic work was not very challenging but I think the program was more focused on language and culture integration. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | 50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend money on experiences not material items. Buying clothes, products and food (when you already have a packed lunch) is unnecessary. It's much more rewarding to save money for traveling! |
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? | 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? | Italian 102 |
| 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? | Definitely speak the language with you host family, at school and in stores. Trying to also speak with friends would be helpful but it's not very likely. |
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 knew how to trust the program and relax. I always wanted to know what was happening in advance, which is not how SIS worked and not how Italy works in general. In the end, everything worked out great and the staff was always very supportive and fun so there was nothing to worry about. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
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