Studying in Italy Changed My World Past Review

By Johnna W (anthropology, SUNY - College at Buffalo (Buffalo State College)) for

SUNY Buffalo State: Siena - SUNY Buffalo State Complex

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained independence and a different world view. It made me see how people in different countries value different things and live differently. Studying abroad has helped me decide to make anthropology my major.

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 workload was very manageable and all of the teachers were very kind and helpful. There were very small classes, and we could learn by experiencing with many of the classes.
* 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?
* Safety:	no real issues
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
Language acquisition improvement?	Italian was used with my host family, in restaurants, at stores, at the market, and with people we met.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?