A Bolognese Blast Past Review
By Elizabeth M (American/United States Studies/Civilization., Wellesley College) for
Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program
Definitely! Increased cultural awareness, learned a second language, made great friends, unforgettable memories, learned classes through a completely different perspective than I am used to , traveled around Europe by myself, and hope to return in the near future.
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. |
Workload was manageable, grading system fair, teaching methods overall excellent, administration supportive and constantly offered advice. Over time, able to adjust easily to the different educational system. However not the workload was not as demanding or rigorous as at Wellesley College. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was accessible and supportive. They were knowledgable about the host country and city. Eager to help with course selections and had a binder containing information about professors and courses students took in the past. This proved a valuable resource, however, it would be easier and more efficient if these materials could be put online rather than having to leaf through huge binders. Program size was perfect- small but not too small. The program also took us on several trips and guided tours throughout the semester which were all interesting and informative. The food allowance was extremely helpful, as well as the cultural allowance. Both of which were generous but necessary. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was not the safest or best, but I never felt unsafe and was always traveling in a group. I loved living in a dorm and lucked out with my roommates. The facilities were overall nice and I loved living with other Italian students, this helped with language acquisition and making friends. I had most things that I needed and bought very few items. My only complaint would be that the Internet was often down and slower than what we were used to, but at least we had Wifi access. Also the location was a bit far from the city center and our classes- 25-30 minute walk at least. |
| * Food: |
It was nice to have a kitchen equipped with pots, pans and cutlery. This made it easy to cook at home and grocery shop. This helped control what and when we ate, and especially easy to adhere to any dietary restrictions. The food allowance was veryy helpful. Eating out was affordable as the food in Bologna is relatively cheap and delicious!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our program arranged several field trips and special events throughout the semester. All were interesting , educational and enjoyable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall, Bologna felt very safe, as it is a city of students. We did not have any health or safety related 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | approx 150 euro/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling is expensive and usually spend more than anticipated |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Italian 202 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was able to practice with my housemates, as we roomed with other Italian students, most of whom did not speak English. I was required to use Italian in everyday interactions, as many Italians in Bologna did not speak English. |
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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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? | If you are looking to learn Italian, meet and live with Italian students and for a quality academic experience then the ECCO program in Bologna is a good match for you. |
