Discover the World: Spain, Italy and France Past Review

By (Adolescent Education, St. John's University) for

St. John's University: Traveling - Discover the World, Europe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Amazingly YES!!!!!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University di Salamanca, Salamanca Spain
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was perfect. Classes are held four days a week so that you get the instruction but with the three day weekends your able to really explore the cultures around you and explore the whole of Europe. Classes were also great because you got insights to the cities from those who lived there and whats better then spending your class time in the Roman Forum or in the Louvre instead of a classroom. The courses are also all taught in English which made moving from place to place less stressful

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program is run and operated by St. Johns faculty and staff both in the new york and european locations. They were very accessible when you had an issue or concern. Sometimes however they werent as helpful as you would want but in the end there were now major issues. They made sure we were all were we are suppose to be and even when we left the city we were in they kept tabs as to where we were and what we were doing

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were no real issues with the housing. In Rome there could have been more then one kitchen because it would take forever to cook food. And there could have been more showers and toilets on each floor. In Paris it would have been nice to have more then just 2 meals a day 4 days a week as its very expensive in the city to live. In Spain there were issues with the residence managers and workers but the accommodation were great because we had private bathrooms and even some balconies

* Food:

In Spain the food wasnt what one would have hoped for but we were able to make due and survive. In Rome what does one have to say..pizza and pasta all day every day and dont forget the gelato!! The ticket-restaurants were also great because it allowed us to save a lot of money

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was no lack here. In every city there were activities for us to do that allowed us to explore the cultures. In spain we had private tours of Salamanca as well as a small mountain village. In rome we explored the ancient side of the city, the vatican and another city outside of rome known for its fountains. in paris we climbed the Eiffel tower, went to the Louvre, discovered the catacombs and much more. Plus we were forced in a way to adapt to the countries and learn the languages and customs

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Both sections were great. I never felt unsafe at any time during my stay abroad and my friends didnt either. And the health care plan really worked when we got sick and even paid for a blood transfusion when a friend became very ill

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Locations
  • Whats not to love
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Kitchen
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are looking for fun and adventure then this is the program for you. You get to experience so much in so little time and it makes you want it more and more. You will make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime and those are something that cannot be bought.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ethics

Course Department: Philosophy 2000
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a great course. Took this in my first country so it was a great way to ease into the experience of living in Europe. The workload wasnt difficult to manage and i honestly was able to take a lot away from the course. Its probably the only philosophy class i passed without any issues
Credit Transfer Issues: no issues as all the classes are run through the home institution
Course Name/Rating:

Italian Level 1

Course Department: Italian 1000
Instructor: Professor Flamino
Instruction Language: Italian and English
Comments: Great introductory italian course. Introduced the language in a way that made it easy to understand and used the city itself as a tool to improve our understanding of the language
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Art and Architecture in Paris

Course Department: ART 1000
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was one of my favorite. I am not a big art fan but it was amazing to learn about the history of the art and architecture that paris had to offer. Spending almost every day in the Louvre or the Muse de Orse was just an amazing experience and made me really appreciate art
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Religions of the World

Course Department: Theology 2000
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Theology is not my strongest subject by far but this class was able to help me understand the subject materials much better then before. Looking at other religions throughout the world and throughout time was great because we were able to incorporate things we have seen and places we have been with what we were learning
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Emergence of a Global Society

Course Department: History 1010
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting course because it gave one the look of the world from a not so averge perspective. the italian perspective was great way to see the world. Plus whats better then being in class and walking around the ancient wonders that Rome has to offer
Credit Transfer Issues: