Don't Be Afraid! Past Review
By Maria-Grace (Virginia Commonwealth University / VCU) - abroad from 05/18/2016 to 07/20/2016 with
Study Abroad at SRISA: Accredited Summer - Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design
It was so worth it. I had such an incredible experience. Homesickness is always an element, but once you overcome it you really have an experience that makes you grow in ways you didn't think were possible.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All academics are held at a pretty high standard. Although you're out and about exploring florence and other places, they still challenge you and make sure you're learning all that you can within the time that you're there! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It's always a challenge adjusting to a place so foreign to your own, but they did their absolute best to make sure you felt safe and comfortable! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lots of stairs, but well worth it! |
| * Food: |
Always trying new foods. The Kebabs are the real hidden treasures. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You do feel like you get to be a part of the culture... but they always know you're American. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Pharmacies are a great help! |
| * Safety: |
Just don't put yourself in any sketchy situations! Be smart! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably close to +150 on food per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat out only on the weekends! Save money and eat in when you can. You won't miss out too much! |
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 |
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| 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 |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to try it out! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I don't think knowing anything different would have changed my experience. There's always going to be a learning curve. |
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. |
