Past Review
By Reni C (HISTORY., Barnard College) for
Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program
It was the most worthwhile experience of my College career. I understand myself in more ways than I did before, both positive and negative aspects, but I have found a sort of inner peace from all of the traveling that I've done. I feel more at ease with myself.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universita di Bologna |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Far easier than anything I've ever done before. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Director was a dud, but her support staff was incredible. The program would have been much stronger if the director was stronger. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a University dorm with three other Italians. I lived in Forni, which is very close to the city center at the intersection of San Vitale and Viale Fillopanti. <br /><br /> Housing was apartment style and I lived about 10 minutes away from the city center. My roommates were all Italian and none of them spoke English, and I enjoyed talking to them and hanging out with them. I didn't have to buy any sheets or cookware, as they were provided by the University. |
| * Food: |
The food in Bologna is incredible. But buyer beware, if you are vegetarian, vegan, or kosher, Bologna may not be the right place for you. The food is very heavy on pork and cheese, and the Italians do not necessarily understand dietary restrictions. Any restaurant in Bologna is good, even if it's the cheapest and dirtiest pizza place in the whole city. I recommend La Mela and Pizza Casa for delicious fare. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Bologna is a blast, and really should be called the Student Center of the world. The entire city is one, big party. As for cultural events, there aren't many, but the night life is wild. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The Doctor was a bit of a dodo, but it added to the hilarity of the program overall. Bologna is the safest city I've ever visited, and I never felt unsafe. |
| 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? | We were given a stipend of 300 euro for food every month, and every time I would go to the grocery store (twice a week) I would spend 8-15 euro. Food is inexpensive in Bologna. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend a ton of money in Bologna, safe it for traveling. Cook at home and with friends, because that's the best way to get close to the people on the program and with the Italians. |
Language
| 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? | Intermediate II |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The only reason to do this program is to learn the language in live like an Italian without the presence of hundreds of other Americans. It was a wonderful immersion experience. It was impossible to live in Bologna without speaking Italian every day. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to party for five months and take a vacation from the stresses of home, do this program. If your primary interest is Academics, don't do this program. |
