Authentic, Experiential Learning in Perugia Past Review
By SHF (Elizabethtown College) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/09/2016 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Perugia
I gained a new language, real friendships, and an international mindset that will carry over into my future career.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Umbra Institute has professors who care about their subjects and lead you to resources that can further your engagement and learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff is the most efficient, dedicated, and passionate set of individuals that you could find in a study abroad program. No question is left unanswered and their organization allows every step from enrollment to the end of the semester to run smoothly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments are close to both the institute and the University for Foreigners if you are enrolled there. They are well equipped, spacious, and comfortable and are safely located. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy... Perugia has a great selection of authentic, regional foods, but it is also easy to find international cuisines like Greek, sushi, and Chinese food. It is also very livable for gluten-free needs and vegans as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to receive a blood draw while I was in Perugia, and there was no difficulty in doing so. If you need a doctor, the school has a visiting doctor with hours, and if it is ever necessary, you can reach the hospital (I believe a staff member will take you). There is also a 24 hour pharmacy in town. |
| * Safety: |
Like anywhere, be smart. It is a small city, but it is not unsafe by any means. |
| 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) |
I spent no more than $80 a week, and I bought fresh, healthy food and dined out occasionally. I certainly enjoyed the restaurants, gelato, a pass on the mini-metro, and some local travel, but this estimate does not include money for alcohol, more extensive travel, etc. It's easy to be frugal if you shop at the local markets! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $80 per week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More Italian! Umbra and CIS prepare you while allowing just enough to be a surprise in an educational and fun way! |
