Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Will always hold a special place in my heart! August 11, 2026

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/07/2026 to 05/22/2026 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 had an amazing experience in Bologna! I loved ECCO's tight-knit community and the liveliness of the city. In Bologna, there is always something to do: the energy, the culture, the language, and the people all made for a beautiful experience.

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.

A majority of the rigor lies in the language immersion; there is an ongoing language workshop throughout the semester that ensures that you are prepared.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff running the ECCO program are the friendliest and the most welcoming! I was never afraid to reach out if I needed anything at all.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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? Beginner
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 202 Wintersession
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The city
  • The food!
* What could be improved?
  • The housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I didn't have to be so stressed because ECCO provides so much support for students.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.