Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A cultural experience you'll remember for a lifetime. Past Review

By (University of Iowa) - abroad from 05/15/2018 to 06/08/2018 with

CIMBA: Paderno del Grappa - Undergraduate Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about how easy it is (plus some of the challenges) to travel internationally. It is an eye-opening experience, but it has given me a strong interest and confidence in exploring other countries and learning about other cultures.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved CIMBA. It was my first time leaving the country, and I didn't know many people going to the program. I learned so much, experienced Italian culture, and made lots of friends. It offered lots of opportunity for travel experiences and freedom to go where you want. The courses offered lots of hands-on learning and experiences to see what you're learning about in person.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Many things are provided for your during your time at the program. On the weekends, you may want to spend additional money on travel and other things. However, you don't need to spend a large amount of money if you don't want to, as there are money-saving opportunities when choosing lodging, food, and other choices.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
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?
  • Traveling weekends.
  • Planned, optional trips for students to sign up for
  • Hands-on learning trips for classes, and small class sizes.
* What could be improved?
  • WiFi.
  • Bugs tend to get into rooms.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Getting an Italian SIM card for your phone can save you a lot of money in data overages if you plan on using cellular data abroad. Make sure you know how strong the WiFi connection is.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.