Life in Perugia Past Review
By Amanda T (Pre-Dentistry, University of the Pacific) for
Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute
I learned a lot more about the world. I want to travel more abroad as much as I can.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | N/A |
| 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. |
The Italian class was helpful, albeit it went slowly. The teachers expect people in the class to guess the answer before they will give it. It is a different way of "teaching." Some teachers graded very strictly, especially in Italian class. Some teachers were more lenient. The workload was very manageable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was small. My expectations were basically met. They were helpful in arranging a doctor's appointment for you and going with you if you wanted a translator. They knew a lot about Italy. Most of the staff was American and could speak Italian well. It was helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was safe and about a 10-15 minute straight uphill climb to school and the center where the nightlife was. I did not have to buy sheets or cookware. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing! Eat at Pizza Mediterranea and the Accademia pastry shop on Priori. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Free pizza nights and the Amalfi coast trip was great! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The safety talk in the beginning was helpful. Just be cautious and aware and you will be fine. Bring a money belt. There were not prevalent health issues that I needed specific vaccines for. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | I spent 40 euro every 2 weeks on groceries. Personal expenses varied depending on where I went on the weekend. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The required field trips for classes were $405! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Teachers and people in Perugia practiced Italian with me. I did need to use it everyday, but more people used English than I thought they would. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You would like this program if you really want to be immersed in real Italian culture, but still living in a "college town." |
