The True Italian Experience Past Review
By Lindsay H (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/27/2012 with
University of Northern Iowa: Summer at Perugia, Italy (University for Foreigners of Perugia)
My experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned that it's so fun getting to know people from different cultures then me. It was so great getting to meet people from all different ages, ethnicities, and walks of life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed learning in an international environment. It was intimidating at first speaking 100% Italian from day one, but I learned so much faster and it ended up helping in the end. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The professors were good, however signing up for classes was a nightmare. Nobody understood where to get the paperwork or what information was necessary. Plus, for those students like myself who had no prior experience speaking Italian, the majority of the administrators didn't speak any English. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60-80 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's really up to you how much you want to spend. Groceries are pretty cheap, but if you'd like to treat yourself to authentic Italian food out, you have to be willing to pay for it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Just get out there and use it in your everyday. The native speakers are usually very helpful, and at least appreciate it when you make an effort. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To just go with the flow. Plans change and things don't always go exactly the way you wanted them to, but some of the most fun times I had were when we didn't plan anything! |
