Brown in Bologna is the best program to learn Italian Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses that I took at the University of Bologna were very interesting, but because I was a foreign student were quite easy because the professors were easier on me. I felt like I learned more outside my courses than within them while abroad.

On-site administration of your program

Excellant. Anna Maria and Monica, the administrators who work for Brown in their Bologna office are wonderful. They are always there to help and treat their Brown program students like family.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was in a very nice neighborhood (as were all the other program apartments), but a bit bare-bones, especially for the price we were paying for it through the Brown program. It was very nice living with both Italian and American students (the program sets this up), but definitely it was costly for what it was. I think every student has to get the program housing though.

We cooked our own food in the apartment, or went out to eat. Food in Bologna is truly amazing; the city has many characteristic dishes and desserts that are delicious. And the gelato there is also incredible.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated. Taking classes directly at the University of Bologna, and Bologna's relatively small size and low density of tourists made it the perfect environment to become acquainted with the local culture. Ultimately, I had a routine and friends in the city which was very nice.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You are covered by your own university's insurance, or can buy Brown's. There is a doctor that you can see easily, and services are readily available in Italy.

Very safe. Bologna is one of the safest cities in Italy, even at night when it's quiet. It is always good to be careful, but I never had any trouble with safety in Bologna.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Bologna is not too expensive for food or attractions, but even just day trips within Italy did add up. And you have to buy all of your food, none of it is provided by a host family, for example.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Always. Even when we spoke to the two Brown program administers in the office, we always spoke Italian, from day 1.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The direct enrollment in the University of Bologna
• Bologna itself--it's a wonderful city that people often miss when visiting Italy!

• I thought the orientation month was a bit boring
• The dorms