Just Do It Past Review

By (Art history and Classics, Trinity University) for

Study Abroad Programs in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was defintely worthwhile! I loved every moment of it and it really helped me with understandin aspects of the monumental nature of classical architecture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Italian way of teaching was most difficult for us. There is very little student-teacher relationship and the teacher was obviously alarmed when we tried to talk to him about things other than Roman architecture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The caliber of teachers was excellent! They were truly amazing, though it took us a while to understand how the academic system worked in Italy. The program in Greece was definitely the most helpful, and in Sicily the most relaxed. But the differenced in how the people handled our program really helped our insight to the countries mentality as well. It was perfect.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It is very hard to be vegitarian, especially in Greece. I would suggest for people to share grocery responsibilty and especially go to the local market where food is cheaper.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to climb a medieval tower and sit on top of the Parthenon!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was easy to navigate and you do feel safe. Just follow the normal rules of safety that you would anywhere else and you will be fine. If you have a problem the people in your program will be more than happy to help you!

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? It depends on how many gifts you buy really, for food and needed expenses I probably spend $30 -40 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just remember, not everything is worth your money!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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 on site teaching
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with local people