Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Traveling around Italy and Europe Past Review

By (University of Denver) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of friends as well as insight about myself. I am much more confident with myself than I ever was before. I have traveled to six different countries in four months and learned about each other their cultures. My eyes have been opened to how Americans are viewed. Overall, the program was worthwhile and intriguing.

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.

The professors did not do a good job of making the material academically intense, but graded hard instead.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA administration was helpful and always there when we needed them. No matter if it was for an emergency or just advice on where to travel.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my apartment and the layout of it. However, I would have enjoyed it more if it were closer to school or the city center.

* Food:

I was expecting there to be more variety in the food. I was a little disappointed and sick of Italian food after the second week.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I integrated well into the culture. We take the bus just like they do. We have to do the exact same things they have to do everyday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health issues, but when my roommates got sick or injured our program immediately took them to doctor's appointments no matter the hour.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to plan your travels early and set a budget for each trip

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate
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? Find a local and pair up. Don't be afraid to make mistakes when talking with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Helpfulness of the staff
  • Pre-paid trips to various places around Italy
  • Friends I made within our group
* What could be improved?
  • The classes were not up to par
  • The professors were not up to par
  • The ISA advisors from the US are not the nicest
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much money I would spend while I was abroad

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 Urbanite
A 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.