Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best decision I ever made! Past Review

By (Elizabethtown College) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/11/2015 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Perugia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience taught me so much about having an open mind and being comfortable with being uncomfortable!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CIS Staff were actively in communication with us and although they were not on site, they made sure to visit and to make themselves available.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose a homestay option and it was wonderful to be immersed in the culture.

* Food:

I'm am allergic to gluten and was concerned at first about finding food that I could eat, but the locals are EXTREMELY knowledgeable about this and very careful, even more than in the U.S. Italy is so much more than pizza and pasta!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Use common sense. Have friends walk you home. Do not go out alone or with people you do not know, but with that said, I also never felt unsafe in town.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Umbra was wonderful! I can't believe I was ever considering another study abroad location. The staff and faculty were supportive, the locals are welcoming and helpful, and the experience was immersive but navigable.

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)

Food is pretty expensive in Italy. Be prepared for that. As long as you plan accordingly and manage your gelato fund, you will not have a problem!

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

The locals know some English and English is used to teach the courses, but you are encouraged strongly to learn and use Italian. There are plenty of opportunities to do so!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The locals
  • The option to do research
  • The activity and engagement opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure information from CIS
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Perugia is such a safe and quaint area! I was worried before I left because I didn't know what it would look like, but I wish I could have heard someone reassure me (and my parents) that it was safe, small, friendly, and easily navigable.

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!