Italy: rethink your preconceived notions. Past Review

By (History, Anthropology, University of Northern Iowa) for

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - Sacred Space Honors Capstone in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes I loved it, it was great experiencing Italian language, food, and culture... also experiencing flying and using different currency. It was an awesome learning experience.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - Sacred Space Honors Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - Sacred Space Honors Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - Sacred Space Honors Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - Sacred Space Honors Capstone in Italy Photo

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.

I learned so much from the professor, thank goodness he took us, the experience would not have been the same without him.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Professor was very knowledgeable about Italy and knew the language and culture enough to get us around and where we needed to go efficiently!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the first hostel we lived in and the second hostel I just didn't like all the bugs! They really freaked me out.

* Food:

I was fine with all the food, although it was a bit difficult for the students with allergies to dairy and sugar! But that is difficult everywhere.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Well I was sick, but it was just allergies and a fateful day of being caught in the rain. Nothing could really be done about it. I felt safe except with some of the Italian's driving abilities in buses.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To go on this trip you have to be willing to spend quite a bit of money and be willing to spend three weeks almost isolated from home. Any student would benefit from this, but it would be better if nothing is holding you back like strong ties to family or a significant other, because three weeks doesn't seem like a long time, but it is.

Comments

some of these questions didn't really apply to the program we went through because I did not study in a classroom in Italy, so there was no "host institution" that we communicated with. I learned a lot and I would like to thank my professor and classmates for a good time.

RaeAnn_9425 June 10, 2011