A rocky road with really amazing moments June 26, 2022

By (Art, Berea College) - abroad from 05/23/2022 to 06/24/2022 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an openness for the world around me and a curiosity to see what else is out there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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:

* 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? No

I think this program was unprepared in a lot of ways. Specifically when there was a covid outbreak and the first few days were absolutely chaous. People weren't getting food because we had to fend for ourselves and rely on delivery in a country where we don't speak the native language. People weren't getting water to their rooms even though they were promised it. We were also constantly reminded that "we needed to pay kiis back" for things like medicine (which only cost 17 euros) Even though KIIS has not said a single thing about how they were going to reimburse us for our missed excursions.

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? around $100 a week on food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Sae everything and anything you can for this trip and start early..

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Seeing all the art
  • Exploring the city on free days
  • Meeting new poeple
* What could be improved?
  • Diversity in selected students
  • Program Organization
  • Program communication with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about a few of the professors I went on this trip went.