Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Single Best Decision of My College Career! Past Review

By (Marketing and Economics, University of Iowa) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 04/14/2012 with

CIMBA: Paderno del Grappa - Undergraduate Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself! When you go to ;ive in a country that you have never even been to before, you don't speak the language, and you don't know anyone, you really learn how independant and capable you really are! I also learned a lot about different cultures and gained a global perspective that I will keep with me my whole 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.

I had some of the best classes of my college career! Great professors, small classes, internationally themed. All classes were ones that I needed for my majors!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff were super friendly and were always around to answer any question from how to drop a class, to what is the best path up Mount Grappa!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Big rooms with private bathrooms and cleaning service twice a week! 2 minute walk from all of your classes.

* Food:

If you like pasta and pasteries this is your place!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to know a bunch of locals in the Paderno! You really felt like a part of the community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a nurse right on campus and a pharmasy just down the street. You had everything you needed within a 3 minute walk!

* Safety:

Small, safe town! Your biggest danger was not getting hit by cars as you cross the street!

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)

I hardly spent any money during the week, I was able to save it all for traveling on the weekends and travel breaks!

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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

Learning Italian was optional but I took a basic "Italian for Travelers" while I was abroad and it really help! The teacher was really helpful!

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
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? Learn the polite words (like please, thank you, excuse me, ect.) before you go. People are so friendly and helpful when you start with "excuse me" in their native language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes to fit my major
  • Authentic Italian expirience
  • Tons of built in travel time
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, I really loved it!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't over pack and there is no such thing as taking too many pictures!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.