When in Italy Time Flies! Past Review
By Brittany D (Marketing., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
CIMBA: Paderno del Grappa - Undergraduate Program
Yes it was very worthwhile. Not only is studying abroad something that employers are looking to see in students because it shows independence it is always going to turn out different than you expected and most of the time that will be a great thing. It is good to realize that nothing is as you expect.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really liked class and all aspects. Both of my teachers were very engaging and made class interesting and exposed us to more than just what was covered in class. One also taught internationally so we got to hear of his other experiences as well and it made our experience feel more well rounded. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They have been holding this program for some amount of years now and seem to really have everything down so it was impressive and it made it easier on the students who had never been abroad before. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It wasn't bad at all, they had a cleaning service and the dorms were nice with great views and a wonderful looking campus! |
| * Food: |
You eat the same food alot. Its good but gets old. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were students from all over the country which made it awesome to see different people that were not only from your home town or whereabouts doing the same thing you were. You got to share a new experience with new people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was a very safe campus and small safe town. I'm glad I wasn't located in a larger metro area. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | During the class week not much but on the travel weekends around $300 a weekend for train, food, stay etc. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | During the weeks you really don't need to spend that much money. Eat the food provided and try and safe for the weekend because at first you will get ripped off without your knowing and you need to learn this. Try and budget most for the travel weekends. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't worry so much about not knowing the language, you will be just fine. Italians live a slow paced life that is much slower than Americans so be prepared to wait in long "lines" and be patient so you can enjoy all the aspects that Italy has to bring! |
