Italy Study Abroad Past Review
By layra (Government, New Mexico State University) for
ISEP Exchange: Trieste - Exchange Program at Università degli Studi di Trieste
Yes, I learned a lot about myself and I grew from the experience. I was able to meet new people and go to places I had never been before. I highly recommend the experience, it is really life-changing!
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was organized but there was really no help when it comes to choosing classes and registration. There is also no explanation on the subject, making it very confusing. Exams are confusing because they are weeks after the class has ended and can be either written or oral, they can also be taken more than once. There is really no programs for ISEP students or other exchange students to encourage interaction with other italian students. Availability is not that great;they are open from 9 to 11 and 3:15 to 4:15 mondays and thrusdays. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There is NO AIR CONDITIONING. There are unusually large amounts of dust and mold that collect in your room. Bring a towel, sheets provided. Bring hangers. Location is good for exercise because of all the stairs. View from the Cafeteria is AMAZING, by far the best view of the city, very beautiful in the morning. Elevator to get to the cafeteria is usually broken, you must take 135 stair (give or take) to GET to the cafeteria. Ask for Tanya any time you have problems! There are two functioning washers...sometimes... |
| * Food: |
There is a large variety of choices. Food is good except for the self-service pasta. Smile to the mensa ladies. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Nothing was offered for us. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Italian healthcare is very complicated. Getting a check-up or a doctor visit is very difficult. For minor issues you can go to a pharmacy. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Permesso di sogiorno can cost up to 200 euro. Bring money to travel. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Improving the italian language was more difficult than I expected because I was always around people speaking english or spanish, however, my italian improved by my attending classes. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Beware of the bora. Seriously...were not kidding about the stairs. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring medicine. Bring movies and books (or hobbies). |
