Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy is beautiful but hot and needs free refills. 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 to appreciate my surroundings here in America more and will never take for granted the English language. Also, yes. It was.

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.

It was fun, but I hated the place we stayed in Florence. Talk about bargain basement. Never again.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Paolo and Nuria were amazing and sweet. The perfect directors for this trip. No one could be better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In another country, you NEED wifi that works to keep in contact with your family/friends. This place had the worst wifi in the history of bad wifi. Also, no air conditioning in otherwise sweltering weather conditions. Will never go back. However, the staff were nice. At least, Luigi was. The hostel in Ostia was nice, though. Much nicer than Hotel Patrizia.

* Food:

At the hotel, it was limited. Very much so. So if we're talking about where I stayed, I would give that about a two. The food around Italy, however, was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 sense of freedom we had.
  • Paolo and Nuria.
  • My classes were awesome.
* What could be improved?
  • Seriously. The hotel Patrizia. Never. Again.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Italian.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'