Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in Perugia for 1 year was hands down the best experience of my life! Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Arcadia University) - abroad from 08/28/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

Arcadia: Perugia - Umbra Institute Intensive Italian

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much. How to become more independent. How to immerse myself into another culture. How to travel alone. How to become fluent in another language. How to reach far beyond my comfort zones. How to make connections with people from all different backgrounds.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I liked the option to directly enroll into the University for Foreigners. It was great because there were no american students and it really gave me the opportunity to immerse myself into italian culture all while learning to become fluent in the language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The only issue I had was how Arcadia University and the Umbra Institute handled my housing issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied completely at first. I had roommate issues with another american student and I truly believe that the way that Arcadia handled the situation was unprofessional.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated. I stayed as far away from american students as I possibly could.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Perugia.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to make your own dinner. Host dinner parties with friends or social gatherings where everyone can cook or bring something which could be about 5 euros a person verses when eating out at a restaurant.

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

Due to my direct enrollment I had absolutely no choice but to speak italian because at the university for foreigners my courses were only taught in italian and I don't even believe that the professors even spoke english.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian202
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to hangout with foreigners or natives of the country that you are studying in. Avoid native english speakers as much as possible and it will give you absolutely no choice but to learn and progress in a foreign language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The option to directly enroll into an italian university.
  • The small city atmosphere.
  • The fact that I was able to become a local and not just a study abroad student.
* What could be improved?
  • Arcadia's policy on how they deal with housing issues.
  • Umbra's boring tudoring session once a week
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I could enroll into the University of Perugia as well.

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.