Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Perugia, Why Did I Have To Leave? Past Review

By (Psychology and Disabilities Studies, Elmhurst University) for

Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was my first time living away from home, and it rocked. I made life-long friends and have memories that will alst a lifetime. This experience even helped me get a job with an international focus and I will hopefully be living abroad next year working with my company!

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.

The workload wasn't to bad. I spent about 10-15 hours a week on homework (mind you that I took 16 credits) but it mostly included reading for my internship and literature class. Grading system is the same as the USA for the most part. The teaching styles were also very similiar to a small school setting and I loved it. I still was able to go to different twons and countries every weekend.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The strengths in the program is the relationship that you have with your teachers and with the entire community. They are all genuine, no one talks down to you and everyone is a potential friend.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments are actual apartments, not student housing so the landlord only spoke Italian. However, the school was very good about getting us a translator and helping us with the various issues we had.

* Food:

It's Italy. The food was fresh, good and healthy. I lost 20 pounds between the diet and the plethora of hills. You learn where the cheapest priced food is and ALWAYS go tot he farmers' market for cheese. The best you will ever have.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As long as you make an effort to talk tot he local people, you will have no issue making friends both American, local and international.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I fealt safe in Perugia, that being said, I grew up in a harder part of Chicago. If you look liek a victim or pic fights, you will find trouble. But otherwise it is fine. I had to go to the doctors once for an ear infection and although there was a little bit of a language barrier, it still worked very well.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

The best thing I can say is to not be afraid to speak any Italian, even if you only know a little. I took a year of french and i learned and remebered significantly more italian in just two months. You need to have it to survivie for the most part and you make friends with the store owners who will help you learn more Italian. It is wonderful and jsut put yourself out there because they feel like they look bad when they speak english. They will correct you, but in a productive way, not a condescending way.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people in the school and local community.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to spend money but keep a budget in mind. By far, Perugia was the cheapest town. I spent a lot of money traveling almost every weekend. Another thing to think about is don;t jsut go see other countries while youa re in Italy. Go tot eh small town and the knooks and crannies of a every town you are in because you will learn more from those experiences that you would just going to the big touristy cities. Go to Cinque Terre.