Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My First Time in Europe (Italy) = AMAZING! Past Review

By (Business Administration, North Carolina State University) for

CIMBA: Paderno del Grappa - Undergraduate Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES! Read my above comments! Although my experience in the program wasn't ideal, I still am grateful for the wisdom I gained while over there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was unreasonable with the limited amount of time we had to study between exams. Everyone was required to take two classes for the four-week program, even those who did not want or need to take two courses. I did not get much sleep during the program and I was often times frustrated because I genuinely wanted to learn the material and do my best. For example, classes began on Tuesday, May 24th, and my marketing professor gave us a seven-chapter exam on Friday, the 27th. We did not even get a chance to read seven chapters, let alone being tested on them! Needless to say, many of us were stressed because of the sleepless nights and we weren't always able to take part in the day or night trips that Cimba planned during the week. I would have much rather the program be six weeks so the curriculum wouldn't be rushed and the environment wouldn't be so stressful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrative office frustrated me several times because they were unavailable at the times when students needed their assistance the most. For example, I missed the buses sent to the airport by the program because my flight was delayed. I couldn't call anyone because the pay phones at my layover airport were down. When I finally arrived on campus, my mother called because she was concerned that I didn't make it, but they told her that the office was closed and that they "guess" I've arrived. Why not contact students' families when they arrive so they won't have to call? When I set up my internet, then I was able to skype my family. But I had to wait until after orientation once I checked that night.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You will need to buy toiletries if you cannot fit them in your suitcase, maybe a fan for hot days as there is no a/c, and food because there are long breaks in between meals.

* Food:

The food eventually became good due to our toleration of it over the duration of the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were several days out of the week when the program organized day trips to Bassano Del Grappa, Asolo, Padova, and others. I was only able to attend one of the trips because I had too much work and reading to do.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

This the SAFEST town I stayed in. Paderno Del Grappa is amazing! It is small, quaint, and for the most part everyone is friendly. I've even seen people jogging at night. Still, of course, you need to be cautious WHEREVER you go.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Research EVERYTHING about your potential program before you sign up for it. Ask any question you have whether you feel it's silly or important because in the end you'll be the one who spends the least.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Marketing Strategies
Course Department:
Instructor: Han Sirivan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Professor Han is a good professor. He can be long-winded at times, but he tries to create an atmosphere that will make us feel comfortable enough to ask questions and share our opinions. The problem in my class was that it was too big for that (it was 60 people and no one wanted to talk in front of everyone). So, Professor Han talked the entire time (except for the times when he showed us videos), class was very boring, and many of us fell asleep. It also didn't help that it took a while to overcome jet lag. In spite of this, he was very helpful and was always available after class to answer any of our questions. If Professor Han were also a professor at my university, I would take him again (just with a smaller class size).
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Financial Management
Course Department:
Instructor: Jim Brau
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Jim is an amazing professor! He not only cares about his classes, but also for students individually. If we came to him with any issue - finance related or not - he would try to help. Most importantly, he showed us how to practically apply what we learned in class to our every day lives as college students. If he were a professor at my university, I would certainly take him again!
Credit Transfer Issues: