Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The City That Smelled of Chocolate Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 05/20/2013 to 06/03/2013 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: Alba - Signature Semester in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES! Loved being involved in an international musical experience!

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.

* 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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 200 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all your money on gelato :)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Easy enough schedule requirements
  • Food! Italian food!
  • Music! Amazing beautiful music!
* What could be improved?
  • Some organizational aspects
  • Supply of basic things like toilet paper in apartment that we were not forewarned of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How late Italians tend to be and how long meals tend to take...

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.