Another Life Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 11/19/2018 with

University of Georgia: Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Italian history and art. It was definitely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Because the semester is so short, the workload picks up fast. There’s a lot of art supplies on site thankfully but even with the day off in the middle of the week, the classes are still rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was a visiting Artist who also worked as basically dorm manager who lived on site. She would be the first person to go, to figure out what you were supposed to do.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a room with two other people, that was connected to four other people and we all shared one bathroom. None of the dorm bathrooms have locks. Some rooms are smaller of course but I didn’t have that.

* Food:

We ate together three times a week, and had one voucher night. The food is good. But breakfast is the same everyday, and you are always responsible for your own lunch. I hated having to walk down the hill for groceries. All of the restaurants were good though, and not too expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the locals were very welcoming and patient considering I knew no Italian.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues to know what the healthcare was like.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe, we had a talk with the local police when we arrived so they knew our faces.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I loved Cortona, but I think I would have liked more of a big city experience.

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)

It wasn't easy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't really know the amount, but even being careful it would $150+ dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I really don't.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions
  • The free time
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Cost transparency
  • Kitchen
  • Locks on doors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How high the hill I would have to walk up everyday.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'