Food and Friends: Exploring Italy in Four Months Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/21/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made really great friends that I plan to stay in touch with. Also, I felt my language skill improved so much. It was a good break from my home institution as I was able to develop new learning skills and explore a new environment.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The language aspect of the program was very rigorous as all courses were taught in Italian. However, due to differences between the education systems, I found the classes to be less demanding and less discussion based than at my home institution. The professors were all accessible, gave outstanding feedback to assignments, and readily answered questions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The director and other administrators were supportive and always there to help if we had any kind of problem. Beyond that, they got to know us and led group trips to promote community within the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The ample food stipend allowed you to both buy groceries and go out to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's what you make of it. I thought it was difficult to get to know locals because of the language barrier, but I felt connected through food and exploring Italy through day trips.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had an American doctor to provide care and navigate the Italian healthcare system.

* Safety:

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

I made incredible friends and learned so much about myself and Italian culture. Bologna is a great city to study abroad since it is less-touristy and has a great student culture.

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)

Again, I'd say it's what you make of it. The program gives a large food stipend and also a cultural reimbursement up to 100 euros. It's plenty of money if you budget well.

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? 200-level course (Italy in the 1960s)
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak with your roommates and friends in the language! We had a self-imposed rule of always speaking Italian when we ate a meal.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Bologna
  • Program administration
  • Community
* What could be improved?
  • Academics (maybe to be more suited for American style?)
  • Communication for university classes
  • More cultural opportunities (for example, more opportunities like the cooking classes)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the differences between American and Italian education styles.

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!