Perugia Living Past Review
By A student (International Relations And Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/26/2013 with
Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute Summer
It was extremely worthwhile and probably one of the most important experiences of my life. If I could do it every semester I would. They people you meet are unforgettable and so are the memories you make.
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. |
The courses were all language intensive at the University for Foreigners and my Italian improved tremendously. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
As part of Direct Enrollment there weren't many activities offered to us that were outside of city as did other students in the program. At times we felt as if we weren't a part of the rest of the group, but this did allow for a lot more independence. We did have tutoring sessions that were also very helpful and the tutor was always available and willing to help even outside of the sessions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I received new roommates every month without knowledge of who they were and where they were coming from. |
| * 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? |
I did not need medical assistance while abroad, but the program offered a great amount of services, to my knowledge. |
| * Safety: |
Common sense applies to any country you're in. |
| 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) |
I ran out of money during my last month because I did not budget well. |
| 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? | Make a weekly budget and plan ahead. |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 5 semesters at Brandeis University. |
| 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? | Take independent trips to shops and markets. |
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? | Traveling outside of the country is not as inexpensive as made out to be. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
