Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy: The Good Life Past Review

By (history of science, Harvard University) for

Brown University: Bologna - Brown in Italy at University of Bologna

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes!!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable - don't worry about grades! There is definitely less emphasis on original thought and more on memorization.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Anna Maria and Lilia were both great!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with both Americans and an Italian

* Food:

I'm vegetarian, and it was easy for me to get by. Eat lots of gelato!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The language partners are amazing!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe

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? Less than $200/week (and I traveled a lot!)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3rd year
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Stay away from the other Americans on the program - everyone speaks English to one another! Try to get to know people in your classes and your Italian roommates

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language partners
* What could be improved?
  • Additional advice on courses to take (and not to take - Paola Porta's class!)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Enjoy it while you can!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Archeology of Emilia-Romagna
Course Department:
Instructor: Paola Porta
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: This was a TERRIBLE class - I do not recommend it!!! The professor seemed to hate Americans and constantly made us feel stupid and useless. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A