ECCO Bologna Past Review
By Mariany P (Italian Studies., Wellesley College) for
Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program
I wouldn't change my study abroad experience for the world. It has made me a more open-minded person all the while making me realize that even in a country such as Italy which has been turned into a fantasy-land for many Americans, many problems exist making it a very complex and beautiful country. I have changed my future career plans thanks to this program and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It is a bit difficult getting used to large lectures, no homework, and complete self-direction. Everything rests on your final exam. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very well organized and Maria-Antonietta and Giuliana do a very good job at orienting us and advising us throughout our stay. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our apartments/dorms were located right outside the city center but still within walking distance to ECCO and nightlife. We did not need to buy any items to settle in as sheets are provided by the dorms and roommates are more than willing to share cookware. |
| * Food: |
ECCO provides a monthly stipend for food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Bologna is a university city much like Boston. I never felt unsafe; however, Bologna is known for its homeless population and pickpocketing. As long as you're wise, nothing should happen. |
| 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? | ~100/week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use the ECCO stipidend wisely. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | ITAS 310 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people in the city did not speak English. The program placed us in apartments with 3 or 4 Italian students in order to encourage language acquisition. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is one of the best out there. It takes students to a city which is vastly underrated and untouched by tourists in order to give them an authentic Italian experience. I highly recommend this program to students who are definitely interested in learning the language and having an authentic experience unspoiled by tourists. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Letteratura Italian Contemporanea |
| Course Department: | Lettere e Filosofia |
| Instructor: | Bazzocchi |
| Instruction Language: | Italian |
| Comments: | His exam is extremely difficult, especially if he's the one who administers it and not one of his many assistants. Overall, however, the course is very rewarding and interesting. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Storia Medieval |
| Course Department: | Lettere e Filosofia |
| Instructor: | Galetti |
| Instruction Language: | Italian |
| Comments: | Fun final! As with other finals, it is oral, but the professors and assistants are really interested in what you are saying and are very helpful. The course itself can be a bit dry but the reading material was very engaging. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Filosofia del Linguaggio |
| Course Department: | Lettere e Filosofia |
| Instructor: | Picardi |
| Instruction Language: | Italian |
| Comments: | The course was extremely interesting and the professor is familiar with the ECCO program and really enjoys working with foreign students. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Storia Urbana |
| Course Department: | ECCO course |
| Instructor: | Ceccarelli |
| Instruction Language: | Italian |
| Comments: | Best course I have taken in all of my college career. Professor Ceccarelli really knows how to engage students and it is very clear that he knows what he is talking about. He often took us on mini field trips through the city in order to illustrate whatever concept we were learning about that week. |
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