Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable experience! Past Review

By (Economics, Italian, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/06/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I dramatically improve my Italian language skills and thoroughly enjoyed all of my courses, I learned how to be more independent. It is a great feeling to have gained ownership of and become comfortable in a place that you had barely known three months previously.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

Roommates made noise until at least 1am every day. Kitchen and common spaces were very dirty. Thankfully, I was able to change dorms midway through the semester.

* 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

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)

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Itas 272
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Internal ECCO Program courses
  • Trips organized by ECCO Program
  • Young, student atmosphere of Bologna
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Wifi access in dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to be as nervous going into the program. It does take a little while to become acclimated to new surroundings but once you do, it is very worthwhile. You will learn a great deal and have memories that you will have with you for a lifetime.

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!