CIMBA Study Abroad was Intense Past Review
By Holly S (Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Delaware) for
CIMBA: Paderno del Grappa - Undergraduate Program
I learned how to throw myself into difficult situations, and get around without knowing the language. I learned how to deal with stress and handle all different types of people. I learned that people are different, and may look and act differently, but on the inside everyone is the same. Treat everyone with respect.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a very heavy workload. It was unexpected. I did not like the Kepner Trego methods that were pushed in each class. There were too many mandatory workshops. I felt like I was in middle school, not in college. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt like there could have been more support for the students in CIMBA. The buses should have been more accessible for trips during the week and the weekends. I think more field trips should have been organized and more integration between the Italian culture and the American students. The program had double the amount of students that it usually has per semester. I think the size was way too large. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in a dorm on campus. It was a single, although I requested a roommate. I feel like this would have been a more meaningful experience had I stayed with a host family. I felt like I did not enjoy enough of Italian culture within my housing arrangement. |
| * Food: |
The cafeteria food was DISGUSTING. I have celiac disease and cannot tolerate many of the foods. I felt like I was not accomodated. I lost a lot of weight, and my family was VERY concerned when I came home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I enjoyed the trip to Trieste, the formal dinners, and the trip to the business center, however more of these trips should have taken place. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My health was not taken care of. My nutritional needs were not met, I was sleep deprived from too many mandatory programs and lectures and classes and work, and the health center cost money to visit. It was difficult to take a sick day since you needed expensive approval from the nurse and/or doctor on campus. I thought this was absurd. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think a hardworking student who is not overly concerned with integrating himself with Italian culture should attend this journey. I think a business student who is ready to handle a lot of time management and pressure would be fine. Personally, I would have enjoyed a more cultural experience. |
