Incredible time digging in Sicily! Past Review

By (Archeology., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 05/19/2012 to 06/10/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more experience in archaeology, and what it really is like to live in another country. It was completely worth it.

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.

The archaeology excavation was a great experience, as it is rare to participate in such an archaeological experience in a study abroad program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing provided for us was great and close to the university, and all housing for students was close by to the university.

* Food:

There was easy access to food across Syracuse.

* 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)

I spent more money than planned as I was buying souvenirs for my family members, but it was worth it and I still had enough money left by the end of the trip.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money mostly on food, but bring extra spending money for souvenirs, though you will need to decide how much to bring as some might want to take home some pricey souvenirs, and not just cheap ones.

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The archaeology dig
  • living in a foreign country
  • the field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Extended time for the archaeology dig
  • More time to see other locations of Sicily
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Always check the weather before going to a foreign country, and don't make assumptions about what the weather will be like based on expectations about the country.