Taking a semester to become fluent in Italian Past Review
By Alexandra M (HISTORY., Wellesley College) for
Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program
Definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Full-Year 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload and teaching methods are pretty light compared to U.S. universities. However, this is something that can't really be changed its a cultural thing. One thing that might take you by surprise is the system of oral exams, which are the preferred mode of testing students. ECCO has a great system for preparing students for the oral exam. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors at ECCO were great! They had tons of great advice and always loved to help us explore the culture further! And they made sure we got all of our work done. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Ghigi 2/2 on the West side of Centro. Apartment style, dorm housing. Strange at first, but becomes normal. <br /><br /> Apartment-style housing. Most students in dorms come from Southern Italy - different views/opinions, but contributes to a sense of the political/cultural ambiance of Italy. Not necessary to buy anything, unless you find that your kitchen isn't well stocked with tools. GREAT LOCATION! |
| * Food: |
Italy = food, need I say more? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was in a relationship with an Italian man and it was great. I can't stress enough how improved your experience is when you create a friendship or relationship with Italians. They show you a world that is almost impossible to find if you only hang out with Americans. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Program doctor. Never felt threatened on the program. |
| 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? | I spent about 50-60 euro on groceries and then more for going out. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No unanticipated expenses. It is possible to do the program without spending your own money (except if you are there in the fall and have the week off, without housing). The cultural reimbursement provided by the program are great, however keep in mind that you need to first participate in the activity, which might require personal funds. But, that cash flow for activities is great! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I took and advanced 200 level course the semester before I left for Italy. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
This program is designed to help you become fluent in Italian. You can fight against it and not learn anything at all, but the program provides a perfect lifestyle for becoming submersed in the language and culture! |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO IT! I couldn't even put a sentence together in Italian, but came out of my year being almost fluent. It was such a rewarding experience. |
