An Inspiration and Educational Adventure Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/01/2012 to 06/01/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Traveling - Art History

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was supremely worthwhile! Everyday, every artwork, everything about it was worthwhile. It has opened my eyes to the world. It has ignited and fueled my passion for the Arts. It is an irreplaceable experience. Best month of my life.

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.

The educational value was top quality. It was important, authentic, and memorable information. Dr. Bule was a marvelous instructor and was taught with great detail and enthusiasm. It really added to the value of the trip.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved the places we stayed. Comfortable, clean, and safe.

* Food:

The food was delicious. Although there wasn't always the choice of what you were going to get for dinner, you could always count on it being something good. Loved not having to worry about where I was going to eat breakfast and dinner every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Any failure in this category comes with my own lack of learning the language. I could have done more to try and speak the language with the local Italians.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues.

* Safety:

Always felt safe. The group aspect was a plus for this category.

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)

If you plan things out well it's not too hard. I'm sure for those that avoid finding reasonable solutions for meals and tend to be impulsive buyers it would be quite hard.

* 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? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you do laundry, you can save buy pairing up and doing laundry with someone else in your group. Especially with the dryers. The dryers are typically very big and could dry several peoples wash loads at once.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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
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?
  • My Group
  • My Instructor
  • Italy in general
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. I was well prepared.