Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Time to Cherish Past Review

By (Theatre, Berea College) - abroad from 06/08/2013 to 07/09/2013 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. I actually missed home and valued my family more. I was so taken aback by all the beauty and in awe by constant art. I feel like this trip was extremely worthwhile to me and I am now wanting to travel more!

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?

* Food:

I had trouble finding food that wasnt very expensive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick but it was I that failed to bring the z pack.

* Safety:

Dealing with other hostel guests was sometimes a bit of a concern. One group tried to go into our room so remember to always lock your door and do not be afriad to stand up for yourself. Always go tell your administrator right away so they can address the issue. Paolo did a good job in handling this as well as the hostel who blacklisted this group.

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)

We got 70 euros to spend a week on food. It went quickly becuase the fast food was the affordable food. I eneded up spending quite a bit of my own money

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 150 euroor less not including costs of extra trips and museums. this does include the 70 euro given to us each week while in Florence.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to work right before you go so you build spending money. Do not spend much money the first week you are there because you will want to biy everything you can get ahold of

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 took the language course so I was bale to practice what I was learning. I wasnt as scared to try new restaurants because I could at least order.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2
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 looked up key phrases like "how much," "My name is," and "I don't understand. I dont speak Italian. Do you speak English?" These phrases I used very frequently. The best way once you get to your destination is to push yurself to order in their language, always ask if they understand english before you start ranting, and to struggle through it. Often people will help you!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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 art class. I got to sit and paint and stare at beauty
  • The field trips where I could learn history as well as explore
  • The free weekend for me to explore on my own
* What could be improved?
  • I wish the language class had gone out as a group to try the language together
  • I wish it was less expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had understood euro conversion better and how to get a phone to call my family.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.