Exciting, New, Memorable Past Review

By (Sociology., Washington College) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/10/2013 with

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC): Milan - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning the way another world works was exciting, the experience broadened my outlook on the world, and made me want to learn more about other countries.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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:

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? 50+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack and lunch and snacks to school to avoid eating out everyday, save that money for going out to dinner/ having drinks with friends

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? Beginner
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? Lower Intermediate
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? Speaking your native tongue among other exchange students is the easier option, but to improve, if you all know the country's language, you should speak it among yourselves too not just in class

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Availability of advice/ help from program leaders at Cattolica
  • Meeting students from all over the world
  • Cattolica club sponsered trips
* What could be improved?
  • System in which students were placed in language levels.. a little unorganized
  • the permit of stay debacle.. seemed like a waste of money unless students were staying past their visa date
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Expectations of living in a city (Milan), I was prepped for the idea of living in another country, but getting used to the specific environment of a city was a challenge. Also I wish I was better prepared for time management between having fun and everyone telling you to try new things and do everything you can abroad, contrasted with studying and keeping grades up because my grades transferred over, while many of friends at Cattolica were pass/fail and often were less worried than I was about school work.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!