Southern Italy: Environmentally Friendly! Past Review

By (Management & Business Administration, University of Northern Iowa) for

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in Southern Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, definitely. It allowed me to see a different perspective on our environmental status. I had not realized how wasteful we are in the US. Entire countries are we would consider 'Green' everyday.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My faculty leader was extremely knowledable about the country and places we visited. He was comfortable traveling abroad and put me at ease. It seemed there was a lack of communication between my faculty leader, his student assistant, and the UNI Study Abroad center. It seemed the budgeting had not been an activity in which the 3 groups communicated program needs for this year; nor had the budget-er been given a plan from last year to work off of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I found our housing to be very accommodating. There were instances that hot water was not always readily accessible, but that was a characteristic of our country and their environmental choices. Everything was clean, comfortable, and safe. We were near town centers and had easy access to grocery stores, public transportation, and activities.

* Food:

Try new things!! Don't ask what it is, just taste it. You are in Italy eating their cuisine; it is good! Sea food was amazing and I am not usually a fan. Delicious pizza!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Climbing Stromboli was a fantastic experience. My main advice is to be confident in your leader. Chad did an awesome job managing our group!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Practiced foreign language with classmates; some knowledge was necessary in everyday interactions. Many people did not speak English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other