Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Abroad in Perugia Past Review

By (Communication, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/30/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that, even in the face of language barriers, I can find my way. I learned so much about other cultures and how people live outside of America. It was amazing to see so many things I'd only ever dreamed of. It was definitely worthwhile and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $150 on average but varied depending on travel, some weeks spend much less too
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop, plan trips wisely, only bring minimal cash when you go out at night (do not bring your card!)

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

Encouraged often, but it was exposure rather than the class that really helped me learn the language

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Spanish, but no Italian
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? Going out at night was actually the most helpful for practice

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Interesting class topics (Mafia, Murder & Mystery, History and Culture of Italian Cuisine <--- Recommend)
  • Wine tastings and dinner outings available
  • The views in Perugia
* What could be improved?
  • ORGANIZATION
  • Employees being on time, following through with things, more heat in the apartments
  • Ensuring professors teach Italian well
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It gets COLD and heat in the apartments is supposed to be limited to 7 hours per day. Try not to bring an excess of stuff but also don't skimp on what you think you need or stuff that makes you happy - I Wish I would've brought more clothes...especially winter clothes. Don't listen to what they tell you about what to wear - bring what you like and what you feel good in. Bring plenty of nice clothes, too. I wished I would've brought things like Kraft mac n cheese, salsa/hot sauce, and taco seasoning <-- stuff you can't find in Italy. Very strict attendance policy with this program. And for example, if you miss an Italian quiz on a Thursday (people often missed due to travel), there is no opportunity for a makeup.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.