Historical Past Review
By Nathan K (Art History, Criticism and Conservation, Gustavus Adolphus College) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/12/2015 with
Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute
A lot of knowledge of the things I'm passionate about and real life experience. Definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was an amazing experience. The classes were interesting and I learned quite a bit while studying there. Not to mention the places I was able to go and see. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Most things were not in very good of condition, but the housing was very close to the school and at the least fully furnished. |
| * Food: |
Italian food is so good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Perugia is a small city that is very welcoming for students. The locals treat you like their own and help you feel like you are apart of their city. They do an amazing job with helping you learn Italian culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Didn't have any health issues, but other students in the program were able to receive adequate help for their issues. |
| * Safety: |
It's a small city and is relatively safe for the majority of the day and night. People look out for each other there and help keep the city safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It's the perfect fit for me. It's in a small city in between the largest cities in Italy. It's full of Italian/Roman Art and History. And finally the city itself is so inviting to students. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 35-75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go out to eat every night. If you want to save money for travel and other stuff buy local groceries. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | none Italian |
| 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? | Try speaking the language and learning it with the locals. Even try practicing when you are only around other study abroad participants. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The Italians don't typically have driers so I am more prepared for that. |
