Do yourself a favor, and sign up for this program. Past Review
By A student (University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 04/29/2016 with
Arcadia: Perugia - Food & Sustainability Studies, Perugia
I would say I know myself better. I learned important things about what I look for in a living situation, my strengths and weaknesses, and gained a lot of independence. It was the most worthwhile experience I've ever had.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This is an amazing program. The classes are really interesting, but there isn't an incredible amount of work to do for them - just reading to be ready to participate in class. The only, only negative comment is that there was a ton of work right at the end of the semester, when the weather finally gets nice! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Housing was the only department that needed help. Problems were very slow to be fixed (and sometimes never were at all). |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was really big and very well located. However we later realized that the huge rooms were perpetually chilly in the winter. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy, after all. Just know that it isn't included in program costs, you pay for all food yourself. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had the opportunity to meet Italians through my classes (there are a few University of Perugia students who take classes at Umbra) and at the weekly Tandem events. I also met locals at bars and cafes. I did spend a lot of time with other Americans, but it's hard not to, the language barrier is a very real divide sometimes. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program provides a health insurance program. I never needed to use it. I didn't need any special vaccines. |
| * Safety: |
I have no complaints. I never felt unsafe in Perugia. I wouldn't choose to walk around late at night by myself, but that's normal safety in any city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Everything I had hoped for and more. A wonderful location, wonderful people, and interesting classes. I really can't say anything negative. |
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) |
This really depends on you. Food in Italy is very cheap, and train travel in the country is very affordable. However if you want to travel every weekend, and especially if you're doing it outside of Italy, you're going to spend a lot, very quickly, even if you're traveling on a budget. My advice is to travel within the country and get to know the area you're living in! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Hostelworld.com is a great way to find cheap places to stay. If you're comfortable doing it (and I'd only recommend these options if you're not alone) Couchsurfing.com can be a cool way to meet new people, and it's free! Blablacar can also be a cheap way to travel, but the language barrier can sometimes be awkward. |
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 |
The Umbra Institute strongly promotes the use of Italian. There are weekly "Tandems" where you can meet with Italian students and practice speaking Italian; they do a "Solo Italiano" challenge (optional) where you can only speak Italian for 24 hours; and they also require everyone to take an Italian language class (all levels available) and everyone starts with a week of intensive language classes. |
| 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? | Advanced Italian Composition and Conversation |
| 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? | Speak with people who don't speak English! It's the best way to learn because you're forced to practice your Italian. Also good is finding someone who speaks about as much English as you speak Italian - then you can teach each other. |
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? | I felt very well-informed. I don't think I needed to know more. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
