Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

very challenging experience Past Review

By (University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 06/08/2012 to 07/08/2012 with

University of Texas - San Antonio: Siena - Summer Faculty-Led Program, The Classical World - Anthropology, Art & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gain---learnt about italian culture and their lives. liked their simplicity of living and balancing their life with work and play. It was worthwhile for the experience... but would have helped if UTSA prepared us about the infrastructure and difficulties associated with it and not give only the rosey picture. espcially since the professor has been there before.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: one university
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

too many teachers so different views

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

she was just Awesome, caring and always available

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It took a toll on us with a room fan and no air conditoning and no refridgerator space (one for 30 students each floor) to store cold water. Temps where above 35 degrees and it was rough

* Food:

very good cafetaria food and plenty to eat

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

People more friendly if one knew italian, but generally they were helpful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Being Insulin dependent I was suffering with the heat and no fan in the room. Had to request many times for one. Eventaully got one ater 2 weeks. OTC medicines were not cheap and had to fore go some.

* Safety:

Pretty safe. But people during the palio could be very passionate about their contrada and public could get stampeded and pushed if not careful. I got pushed with force by one such member.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Since no breakfast or coffee was offered and kitchen in the dorm was not stocked with any supplies. we had to spend a lot on food and cold drinks and pizzas etc.

* 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? 50-100 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? take first aid, take a small fan with adapter, take familiar food from home. Take good pair of shoes and thick socks to walk.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the field trips and visiting incredible museums and learing about Roman culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Definitely forming grouping student with like age groups so one does not feel left out insulted by the younger students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the inviting university is more to make money and not worry about our basic comforts. Class rooms were steaming hot without fan and a/c and all windows shut for projector.