Perusing Perugia Past Review
By cubuff3 (University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 01/08/2016 to 05/28/2016 with
Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute
I learned about many new cultures, tried new foods, learned a new language, and met people from various backgrounds. Studying abroad is an amazing experience if you go in with an open mind and step out of your comfort zone.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were not easy but they were not as difficult as normal university classes. You did have to study and do homework and attendance was mandatory. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * 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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was very well-organized and Perugia is a beautiful little town that I was comfortable in. I really wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and by studying abroad in a smaller town, I was forced to learn the language which was very beneficial to me. |
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) |
Costs of food and drink were very inexpensive, travel was where costs were higher |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy groceries and make homecooked meals to save money |
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 |
Umbra Institute put on a "Solo Italiano Challenge" encouraging 48 hours of speaking solely in Italian, no English |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | I hadn't taken an Italian language classes |
| 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? | Try to speak the language, people appreciate when you try and will help you |
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? | Italian is HARD. Learning the language isn't easy but it's so worth it to be able to communicate with the locals and create personal bonds |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
