Viterbo Italy an Enthusiast's City Past Review
By Paul W (Public Relations, California State University - Chico) for
USAC Italy: Viterbo - Intensive Italian Language, History, and the Arts
It is difficult to explain in short my experience, near impossible I suppose. What is important to me is the values I learned while studying abroad. None of us are inherently born with values that make us 'good' people or as I should say, easy to co-exist with. When living in a city like Viterbo, you are able to slow down, look around, and enjoy the small things that we take for granted in our fast-paced American lives. I am overwhelmingly in support of the USAC Viterbo, Italy program... one adjective effectively explains all: AMAZING!
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. |
Great for those who are interested in really understanding the culture of Italy! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Viterbo's administration is amazing, I miss them all dearly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed with an American and an Italian, the living arrangement couldn't have been better. We are all now very good friends. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Obviously you can tell I had an amazing year. Viterbo is a perfect place if you are actually trying to get in touch with Italian culture. The people are extremely nice, and there are great places to go and have fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Viterbo is extremely safe... I was very sick at one point during my time abroad and I was treated swiftly and effectively. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Language acquisition was a huge part of the program, not too many people in Viterbo speak English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Studying in Viterbo, Italy effectively changed my life forever. I believe that if you are honestly interested in taking in the culture, learning the language, and living the daily life of an Italian citizen that Viterbo is the place to get your feet wet. The city is extremely inviting to guests, especially those who are genuinely interested in learning the life style. It is a great place to learn how to travel, after a year there and traveling around I feel much more prepared to travel to more 'extreme' places. Like I said, if you are GENUINELY interested in learning all aspects of Italian life, go to Viterbo. Cheers Study Abroaders! |
