Chocolate, Gelato, and Music Past Review

By (English, St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 05/20/2013 to 06/03/2013 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: Alba - Signature Semester in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about music and performance. I met many professional musicians and learned from them. I loved performing in the churches because the sound quality is unparalleled to any spaces in the United States.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful for such a small staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in the hotel, Leon d'Oro. Overall, it was a nice hotel, but there were problems with ants in the rooms and bathrooms. Also, it was difficult to socialize at night in the hotel since it was so small. I spent a lot of time in the apartments which were MUCH nicer. I would have preferred to be in the apartments for my stay.

* Food:

Every meal I ate in Alba was a little piece of heaven. The food was ALWAYS delicious. The cafeteria food for lunch was even very good. My vegetarian friend did not have any trouble communicating his dietary restrictions. The only trouble with eating was trying to eat with a large group. Many of the restaurants could not easily accommodate over 20 people and we felt like a burden sometimes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city was very safe, but basic precautions should be taken, such as not walking alone at night.

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? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Food
  • Music
* What could be improved?
  • Opportunities to travel outside of Alba
  • Streamline the meal ticket system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much fun I was going to have, it would have saved me a lot of worrying.