THE BEST 5 WEEKS OF MY LIFE! Past Review

By A student (Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management., SUNY Purchase) - abroad from 06/27/2012 to 08/01/2012 with

SUNY Purchase: Pisciotta - Municipal Schools of Pisciotta

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

I gained sooooo much in general. I gained new friends, new experiences, I learned more italian and I improved my photography skills. This trip was SOOOOO worthwhile. Its been almost 2months since my return and I still can't get over it. I miss Pisciotta SO much and will definitely go back again when I get the chance.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The town we lived in became like my family. I got to know everyone, and everyone knew me. I made amazing friendships that I'm sure will last a life time
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Had a gorgeous small cozy apartment close to the main plaza and a cute view of the sea
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I felt very intergrated! Everyone treated us friendly and became like family
* 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)	it was a 2.5 there. The town was very inexpensive and affordable.
* Was housing included in your program cost?	Yes
* Was food included in your program cost?	Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	150

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?	Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	beginner italian
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Practice it with the natives around you!!!

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?	10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The town The people of Pisciotta experience
* What could be improved?	I cant think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That I didn't need all the shoes I did take.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	The Photographic Artist's Book
Course Department:
Instructor:	Cassandra Hooper
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was an amazing course. Loved everything about it. Photography is the perfect course to take in a country like Italy.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No, no trouble at all. Everything went smooth in regards to paper work and transfering credits