Ahh yeah! Italy yeah! My adventures abroad on the best capstone at UNI! Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/11/2012 to 05/29/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to navigate in multiple cities using the metro, walking, buses, and water taxis. I also learned a lot about what Italian culture is like and how my culture compares. This trip was definitely worthwhile and I would highly recommend it to any student who enjoys traveling and experiencing new things.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is not heavy on the traditional classroom or textbook scale. The educational experience, as the title suggests, is mainly in Italian culture and how your own culture compares.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was pleased with most of the hostels we stayed in. We were in 5 different hostels over the course of the 19 days. The Plus Hostel in Florence and the hostel in Milan were both very nice. Our hostel in Rome looked worse than it actually was- it proved to be quite nice with the majority of the rooms being taken up by our capstone students.

* Food:

I loved the food! But who doesn't look some good pasta and pizza. I was actually expecting the food to be more expensive but I spent less than expected. For lunch we typically would eat pizza or sandwiches which you can buy on the street for 5-8 Euro. For supper we usually chose the "second plate" which was pasta. Pasta dishes ranged from 7 to 18 Euro, and we could usually find something good for 12 Euro or less. Portions in Italy are smaller than Italian food portions in America, but between the bread, wine, and main dish it was enough. Besides, you can't take leftovers home anyway!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved seeing many different Italian cities and living in hostels inside the cities. Besides the fact that we went to plenty of traditional tourist attractions, we were always near Italians on the metro and water ferries. I had a great time interacting with Italians when I would order food or buy items in shops. The only type of cultural integration I would have liked to have that was not available is an overnight stay with a host family. I realize this would have been hard due to the language barrier, but it would have offered a great opportunity to "do life" with some Italians.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health issues on the trip but I had a friend who experienced a few. There were farmacias sprinkled throughout every city and each had a variety of medicine and health care items available.

* Safety:

I felt very safe while I was on my study abroad trip. The only times I did not feel comfortable was our first night in Rome at my first ever hostel and at the Venice Inn. Due to the creepy desk clerk in Venice, some of the girls did not feel entirely safe, but I have been assured that students will no longer be staying at this location in Venice.

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)

I actually budgeted for more than I ended up spending. My budget included 2 meals a day, transportation costs, and souvenirs and I actually had a few hundred dollars to spare.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring granola bars for breakfast, buy groceries at the supermarket so you can pack yourself a sandwich for lunch when you want to save money. Also, apply for any study abroad scholarships you can!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

Tammy really encouraged us to try to use Italian phrases when possible and be open to learning Italian culture through language. Knowing or learning Italian was not a requirement for this course, but it was a bonus to learn some phrases.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 years of spanish in high school. This came in surprisingly helpful though since the Italian and Spanish languages are fairly similar.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? My friends and I watched YouTube videos and used phrase books before the trip. We may not have remembered the phrases for the trip, but it definitely helped with our accents and pronunciation once we got to Italy.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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 location was a perfect fit for me.
  • Our professor was very laid back and let us have plenty of free time to explore each city.
* What could be improved?
  • The hostel situation in Venice could have been better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everything really wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be. On a related note, knowing that I probably could have packed a bit less and bought more souvenirs.