Truly Once in a Lifetime! Past Review
By Kim M (Finance and Financial Management Services., Mount Mercy College) - abroad from 09/15/0013 to 12/08/0013 with
CIMBA: Paderno del Grappa - Undergraduate Program
Attending CIMBA was honestly one of the best decisions of my life. It was such a good combination of challenging classes, traveling, leadership opportunities, and being immersed in the Italian culture. I learned so much about myself and grew tremendously as an individual. I visited numerous cities and countries that I still cannot believe I experienced. Above all, there are friends I made in just three months that I am closer with than friends I have had for many years, and I know that we will be friends for years to come. If you have the chance to attend CIMBA and live in Italy, take it because you won't regret it!
Review Photos
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. |
Classes were very interesting and professors were good overall. Have to really focus on getting homework done so you can travel. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful staff and amazing extracurricular activities offered. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Rooms were very nice and get cleaned twice a week. |
| * Food: |
On-site cafeteria with a few options for each meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living in a small town in Italy gives you the opportunity to get to know locals and CIMBA offered additional activities to get involved with the community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Nurse available to visit and get medication from. |
| * Safety: |
Paderno felt very safe and the campus has 24 hour security. Never once felt unsafe and did not have any issues. |
| 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) |
During the week everything is provided, money is only necessary for going off campus and traveling. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look for cheap flights and hostels to save money while traveling. |
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 |
There were opportunities available, but knowing the language was not necessary. |
| 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? |
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? | I could have packed much less, and you will bring home more souvenirs than you think. It is also a whirlwind three months with so much going on, so don't forget to take time to stop and enjoy where you are and what you're experiencing. |
