Would go back in a heartbeat! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic experience was not traditional simply because it was based in Italy. It would have been very costly to the University and to the students to keep the professors in Italy for the entire school year. So instead, the professors arrived for two weeks of intense classes followed by an exam. I personally enjoyed this method of learning as it allowed students to focus solely on the class at hand without distraction from other classes. Once the class was over, students moved on to focus on the next subject.

On-site administration of your program

The CIMBA staff are a very close unit. They are all focused on the betterment of the student experience and I greatly enjoyed getting to know each of them!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements at CIMBA make the experience especially unique. The classes, dorm rooms, library, computer room, gym, kitchen, and administrative offices are all in the same building - a very old convent! Obviously this is very convenient if you are busy with classes! At the end of the class day, the administrative staff goes home, and students remain in the building. Although the gym could be improved, the experience of being around the same group of people is definitely a life lesson. I learned quickly that despite not getting along with someone, I would have to learn how to deal with this as there was no real escape! This is true in life as well - at work you don't get to choose your colleagues.

Our class established cooking groups early on as there were only four stove burners in the kitchen and with eighteen students, that was going to make cooking dinner separately very challenging. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn how to cook new things as well as taste food from various cultures! Not to mention, eating out in town was always wonderful!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our class specifically felt integration with the local culture. We got to know the owners of the coffee shop as well as the owners of the pizza restaurant and the nearby bar. Despite not always being able to understand their Italian, we worked to develop relationships with them and when our families visited, we paraded them down to meet our local friends! We also enjoyed participating in the nearby cherry festival and a CIMBA-hosted wine tasting!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The staff was always quick to help set up appointments in the case of illness.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Although we were initially concerned about the cost of living in this particular town, we were happily surprised at our ability to afford to enjoy meals out. Plus our group meals dramatically reduced each individual's food costs.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• LIFE program
• Emotion regulation
• Friendships gained

• The gym
• The internet

The Academic or Linguist