Italy! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There were certain assignments that I felt were not as engaging or challenging as they could have been.

On-site administration of your program

Fantastic! The admins were always so warm and helpful. They pushed us to make the most of our time in Italy and were always available if we needed assistance in something.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a suite with two bedrooms and a connected bathroom. I had two roommates and four girls living in the other room, but they were always very respectful about taking turns in the bathroom and generally living together.

The restaurant we ate at three nights a week was wonderful. Our vouchers allowed us to try different restaurants and Italian food. We also had three nights a week to cook our own food which was fine, I often prepared meals with one of my friends.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I always felt welcomed by the Italians I interacted with (such as the cashier at the grocery store or the post office workers). I did not spend much time building relationships with the locals because I do not speak much Italian and was busy with schoolwork, but I liked living the way the Italians did and Cortona now feels like a home to me.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very well--as far as mental health goes there were counselors available for the students, and after a traumatic event the professors made sure we knew we could speak to the counselors about that as well, as well as come to any of the professors themselves.

Cortona is a small town, so I always felt safe walking around, even if I was alone or it was dark out. When we visited bigger cities such as Rome or Naples I was a little more apprehensive, but as long as you use common sense and look out for your friends you should be safe.

This was an incredible experience for me as it was my first time leaving the country and experiencing a new culture, I also made one of the best friends I've ever had.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I mostly only bought necessities in Italy such as food and clothes (I underpacked) so it was easy to live on a lower budget. I spent more when we visited other cities as I wanted to buy souvenirs for myself and my friends back home but everything I bought was affordable for me.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They made Italian classes available for students who wished to learn to speak basics.

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• Dorm

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The beautiful country
• Seeing famous artworks
• Meeting new friends

• Communication between professors so assignments are not all due at the same time

The Avid Adventurer