Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bologna is the way to go if you truly want to learn Italian. Past Review

By (Italian Studies, Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/06/2013 to 05/15/2014 with

Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There's so much that I gained from my experience that I cannot write it all in a small box... However, I would do it a million times over. It was extremely worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had some really great classes and others not as great. The academic rigor was less than at Wellesley, but I found I needed more time to study because all of my classes - readings included- were in Italian.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I grew to love ECCO's administration. They handle things in a very Italian way, which at first was hard to get used to, but they always respond to emails, phone calls, etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We received a food stipend and cooked for ourselves. The food stipend was 350-400 euros a month.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The success of social and cultural integration depended on your initiative. You do have to work to integrate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was easily accessible. They provided a doctor who spoke English, thus there was never a language barrier when it came to medical problems. I only had one serious problem. I called the doctor. He was at the hospital at the time, so I went there and was attended to immediately. No vaccines needed.

* Safety:

VERY SAFE! Bologna is wonderful/

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? None.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for an apartment with a kitchen. It saves TONS of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program was entirely in Italian.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? two two-hundred level coourses
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to immerse yourself in the language. Make friends from the country and hang out with them as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes
  • Food Stipend
  • Dorms
* What could be improved?
  • Student Resources
  • Dorming assignments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Buy a phone that can take an Italian SIM card. At times I was without cellphone service for upto 3 weeks. The thing that saved me was my smartphone that I purchased in Bologna at the beginning of my stay.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!