Unforgettable adventures! Past Review

By (Early Childhood/Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/20/2014 to 08/05/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself as a person and traveler. I also learned a lot about how to make new friends, submerge myself into another culture, how to be more easy going about situations, and what to do in strange situations. It was definitely worth every penny!

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

* 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? $230
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring snacks!

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? High school French
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Adventure
  • Activities
  • New friends
* What could be improved?
  • Longer trip!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the older you get, the worse your motion sickness gets! haha

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cross-Cultural Capston: Italy

Course Department:
Instructor: Tammy Gregorson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course and capstone allowed me to meet so many new people, make so many great memories, have the chance to explore the world, and get out of my comfort zone. I loved every single minute of the trip and would not trade it for anything in the world. The people I met are still so near and dear to me and I so many beautiful and wonderful things while traveling abroad.
Credit Transfer Issues: