eye opening Past Review

By (College Counseling, St. Cloud State University) - abroad from 05/13/2012 to 05/27/2012 with

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?
a knowledge of a completely different culture and some of their education system. It was very worthwhile!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: South Dakota State University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was an excellent experience to study in a place where one can be immersed in a culture entirely with little access to familiar territory.

* 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?

In a small town, it was easy to feel intergrated, even after two weeks.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $200 American dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think it depends on spending habits and what one wants to buy. Plan for more!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? an introductory course
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? Using online tools may be helpful for future trips

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • the food
  • the internship
  • the culture
* What could be improved?
  • the itinerary
  • language preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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 Urbanite
A 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.