An opportunity that should never be overlooked! Past Review
By Valeria R (Northwest Arkansas Community College) - abroad from 06/01/2016 to 06/30/2016 with
NWACC: Study Abroad in Siena
Definitely worthwhile. It opened my eyes to a whole different world that I didn't really acknowledge was in existence until I went there myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The absolute best experience; I think every student should go abroad if the opportunity is there. Life changing. You learn more than just in the classroom while immersed in a completely different culture, language, and scenery. |
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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: |
Best food I've ever had , it definitely tastes different than the Italian food here in The US, but that's what makes the experience even better. |
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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? |
No
I like to gain new experiences, so personally I would try a new country! |
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) |
Due to the cost of the euro, it does make it slightly more expensive. However it is affordable once settled in and after getting to know local & economic eateries . I would definitely recommend saving up. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About €200 so $250USD. Just me personally |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at home before your trip to save money, focus on doing activities on the weekends that can help you raise money instead of spending it. Carpool as much as possible . Don't go on shopping sprees ! Shop abroad!!!! |
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 |
It was an immersion class where we were definitely encouraged not to speak English which was AWESOME . It was a new way of learning for me and I learned a lot more and a lot faster than (I think) I would have if I was in a regular Italian class in America. |
| 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? | 0 |
| 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? | Order all your food/drinks/snacks in the language you are learning because even though you aren't fluent, the people sure do appreciate that you attempt it and they love it ! Also meet new people and make a lot of friends to practice and learn outside of class as well. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | When the professor said "bring your running shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking" ... He was being serious. Pack lightly! Shop 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 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. |
