Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a beautiful life changing experience Past Review

By (Chapman University) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 12/13/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about other cultures, most importantly italians. I felt like I really got to know their country and people much better then I ever would of. I met amazing people, I ate incredible food and traveled a ton. Loved every second of it.

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.

I thought all of my teachers were wonderful and very helpful. I felt that I really got to know the teachers and I also liked that the classes were small which is similar to Chapman classes. I also loved my cooking and italian class!!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

onsite adiministration was great, they were always there to help, they answer the phone immediately and always make you feel comfortable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was beautiful, we had a really great location to, just a few blocks from the Duomo and about a 10 minute walk to where most of my classes were.

* Food:

Food was delicious! And we were able to cook a good amount which I liked because it helped save money!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated, however I think it is easy to just hangout with american students, so if you want to meet more locals you definitely have to put in a little extra effort but it is completely worth it. I loved hanging out with locals at our favorite panino places and everyone we met was so friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were addressed extremely well. I back from a 12 day trip one night and it was 12 am and I was really sick and they sent a doctor to our apartment so that I didn't have to go to the hospital, and he was a really good doctor. I felt very taken care of. Also going to the doctor is quite easy and getting prescriptions is very easy as well.

* Safety:

very safe, I never felt unsafe anywhere I was.

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)

Things are definitely more expensive in Italy, however if you try to stay on a budget it is definitely possible. We cooked a lot of dinners at home in order to save money which helped a lot. Most of the money I spent went torwards travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? probably around 100 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook at home whenever possible, veggies and things are very cheap in the market. Towards the end of the program is when we started to eat out the most!

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? try to only speak to italians in italian and even with your roommates try to speak to each other in italian to practice!

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
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?
  • small
  • more intimate
  • nice people
* What could be improved?
  • more activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think they informed me very well of what to expect, there really isn't anything I wish I knew.

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.