Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy In a Month July 11, 2022

By (Federal Government, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/01/2022 to 06/30/2022 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Renaissance Art in Italy Up Close

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more open-minded and compassionate. There are millions of different viewpoints and opinions about issues in this world, and everyone's voice deserves to be heard.

Personal Information

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.

* 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?

I did not have an issue pertaining to healthcare, though there were many hospitals throughout Italy and my faculty leader was very good about making sure we were safe.

* Safety:

One member of our group got pick-pocketed in Naples (though she had a fairly easy time getting her things replaced).

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

There were so many new aspects of culture I got to experience. There were some parts of Italy I didn't get to see, so I would like to go back and visit them, like Milan and Venice.

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? ~$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check the material of the souvenir you're about to buy to make sure that it is good quality and will not break after spending so much money on it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Food
  • Famous tourist spots in Rome
  • Beautiful nature views
* What could be improved?
  • Include bus tours/self guided tours
  • staying in an air conditioned place
  • getting to choose our food at the monastery
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is no air conditioning in many parts of Europe, so bring light clothes. Also, there's no need for American money anywhere at all - everything is in euros.

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.