Beautiful Torino! Past Review
By Chelsea H (University of North Dakota) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/13/2012 with
USAC Italy: Torino - International Business, Politics, Architecture, and Italian Studies
ABSOLUTELY! I experienced a different culture, and was able to learn so many things about Italian culture first hand. I met so many fantastic people that aided to my experience while abroad. Traveling around in Europe is something I will never forget. Torino will forever have a special place in my heart.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were taught by Italian teachers who are fluent in English and the classes were graded similar to how they are in America. All of my classes had between 1 and 8 museum visits, some out of town, which was really fun. It is exactly the kind of education you want while studying abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was very helpful when it came to navigating the city, they even helped us make salon appointments on the phone! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was BEAUTIFUL! Just keep in mind that the USAC Housing Director will come over at any given time. |
| * Food: |
You can never have enough pizza and pasta! The grocery stores are also easily accessible to cook your own food, and the open air markets had the freshest food to pick from. Delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program did a good job integrating us with local Italians. The Venice/ Verona trip was really fun, especially because it was during Carnevale- a huge holiday in Italy! They also took us to Ivrea for their Carnevale for their traditional orange throwing battle. It was so fun! I traveled to many small towns outside of Torino, as well as around the country to experience the culture of the many regions of Italy. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Torino. As long as you are smart and avoid dark alleys and walk in huge groups you will be just fine. Also, keep your purse in front of you! |
| 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? | No |
| * 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? | Each week varied as far as how ofter we would dine out, but average between $90- $130. |
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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Befriend Italians who go to school with you, and get a language partner. |
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? | Plan things ahead of time so you don't waste money. |
