Un sogno italiano Past Review

By (Italian Studies., University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 08/31/2013 to 12/21/2013 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Perugia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and feel more comfortable with myself. Definitely a worthwhile experience!

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.

Classes weren't very difficult. Weren't too interactive, were more lecture based.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all awesome and were pretty helpful, but it is difficult for everything to be clear with the Italian system.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not bad living situation, but would have preferred to live with Italians. Got stuck speaking too much English, with my international roommates

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Perugia is probably one of the best cities in Italy to feel integrated in the culture, but it is still pretty difficult to get out of the American bubble.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Money disappears so easily! probably spent around $3000 in total, I traveled to 3 foreign countries, and traveled a good amount around Italy, so I'm pretty content with how much money I spent.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20-30 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? write down when you're spending your money! it always just disappears!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Upper level language courses
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Participate in tandem! Make friends in class, you can speak Italian with them. Maybe try joining a group or club. I did the UNICEF volunteer program and I was able to speak Italian with the women that worked there since they didn't speak English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Umbra staff/cultural events
  • All the friends I made international/american/italian!
  • Perugia!
* What could be improved?
  • Living situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The amount of hills in Perugia, how the classes were structured.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!