Italy study abroad changed my views on education Past Review

By (Higher education Administration, St. Cloud State University) for

St. Cloud State University: Italy - HIED 664 – Critical Issues Seminar & HIED790 – Critical Issues in Italian Higher Ed

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I understand an whole new perception of education

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A lot of difference in the educational systems and teaching methods

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes getting things done was challenging but on the whole achievable

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Very Good

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visit to the various higher education campuses

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is totally different in the U.S. and students need to be adviced about it/

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? $200 for gifts and sovenirs

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Graduate Level
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

No.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Timeframe
  • Faculty involvement
  • Educational Quality
* What could be improved?
  • More infromation from International Office on location
  • More direct interaction with the International Office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is an opportunity worth trying. It will change your whole spectrum on life