best decision of my life!!! no regrets!!! Past Review

By (University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 05/14/2012 with

USAC Italy: Torino - International Business, Politics, Architecture, and Italian Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
absolutely!!! best choice of my life, the money is worth it... i feel comfortable speaking italian now, have tons new friends, and a whole new outlook on the world and my future. i know it will be a huge help when i go to lool for a job

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: SAA universita di torino usac
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

staff there really cares about students, always there for you when you need help of any kind, very friendly and open

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

better than i expected, i got to know my owners family and they were really nice, invited me to dinner and helped me practice my italian al lthe time

* Food:

it's italy, enough said

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

good - played sports with locals students, had a language partner, met local students in my building, good time

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

fine no big problems, local doctors free

* Safety:

generally always felt safe at school and in housing... city is big like big cities everywhere

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)

ok i planned ahead and did ok, not as bad as other stduents did who drank alot more or who travleed every week, still possible to travel a lot and do fine with money

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-40 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? shop at open markets, don't eat out too much, kebabs and pizza are cheap nad good, school cafe is good , great food and cheap prices

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

if you really want to learn, you can. do it!!!!

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? 101
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? talk to staff, teachers, locals at school and in your bulding and neighborhood..don't be afraid. italians want to practice with you. i made lot of local friends fast

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • friendly helpful staff
  • lots of international and local students to meet
  • good mix of classes and outside of class activities and trips planned
* What could be improved?
  • more hours for language classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that i would wwant to stay longer