The Year That Changed My Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was much heavier than in the states; the importance of studying outside of school is impertinent to your passing classes. There is no goofing off or talking during class by the students like there normally is in the States; no one playing games, on their cellphones or on Facebook - everyone is paying close attention and answering questions.

On-site administration of your program

The program was wonderful but they really only helped in placing me with a host family and getting me over there. Once I was in Italy, no one from the program in the States ever contacted me. My rep in Italy was in touch with me every couple of weeks but other than that (unless I called her) I was on my own. But i didn't really mind because it gave me opportunities to really live life like an Italian, not a tourist. It also gave me the space to explore and travel - I enjoyed not being hovered over about my every move. I very much enjoyed the freedom.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The school I went to contacted it's students to see if anyone would be interested in hosting an exchange student. I was placed with such a wonderful family! They welcomed me with open arms and gave me an experience I'll never forget. The neighborhood was very safe and beautiful - I lived about 20 minutes outside of the city in the Italian countryside but there was a small town feel to it (bakery, gas stations, bus station, hair salon, park). I immediately became part of the family and was treated as an Italian, not as a foreigner; I was actually often mistaken as an Italian in public! I was so extremely lucky to have been placed with the family I was - I now have two families, one here in the States and one in Italy.

There is no such thing as bad food in Italy. Everything from baked goods to pasta and fish is absolutely amazing! Be aware of drinking tap water though - not that it's dangerous for you (many foreigners are absolutely fine drinking their tap water) but I had a bad reaction to drinking the tap water because my body wasn't used to certain minerals and other things in their water. But other than that, the food, the drinks...it's all amazing!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There's no possible way for me to choose just a few memorable events or experiences; I have so many. From traveling the country to memories with my host family, to the days I spent just wandering the streets of the town, they're all cherished memories. Living abroad changed my life and gave me a lifetime of memories. I kept a journal which was so invaluable once I came home, I would definitely suggest future students to do the same. Experiences you may not remember or details you may forget will be given life again through the pages you write on.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt extremely safe during my stay; much more so than in the states! And there were no health issues in my host country while I was there.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family