There's no place like Perugia Past Review
By A student (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/12/2013 with
Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute
There is absolutely nothing like living abroad. I had so much fun traveling and meeting the locals. Learning about a new culture from the people that live it every day is the best way to experience it.
Review Photos
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. |
I took a lot of art classes and I thought they could have been more engaging. There didn't seem to be a lot of time to learn about the medium and then the exposure to it seemed to quick or too book oriented. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was very friendly and easy-going! I just wish we were kept more in the loop regarding various program information. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my apartment! It was at a great location, it was cute and everything worked well. |
| * Food: |
You purchase your own groceries. But can you really go wrong with anything Italian? Nah. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since Perugia is a smaller town with a lot of international students I felt like we all were exposed to a lot of cultural integration. Especially because we lived in the historic center. When you do anything, whether it be going to the grocery store, a restaurant or going out at night, you are bound to meet locals and other students! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have health issues, so I don't really know. I think they worked well for those that got sick? |
| * Safety: |
Perugia felt like such a safe city while I was there! I left my phone at a bar one night and someone turned it in and I picked it up the next day. I think safety was a good part of being in a smaller city. |
| 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) |
Italy is pretty expensive. I think Perugia was easier to manage because things there were definitely cheaper than in bigger cities like Rome and Milan. You just have to be conscious of how much money you are spending (in dollars, not just euros). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe around $100? $200+ if I went out to eat or went on a weekend trip? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Track every thing you spend the first month. Then in the following months look at what most of your money goes toward and budget from there. |
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 |
|
| 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 in 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? | Don't be shy. If you're at a restaurant, order in Italian. Grocery store? Same thing. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Hmm, not sure. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
