Bologna is a great place to study Past Review
By A student (Mathematics & Economics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 05/31/2012 with
Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program
yes i gained so much insight on other cultures, other people, and myself. It was absolutely worthwhile. I recommend studying abroad to everybody ever.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They didn't really help with our internet situation...even though these amenities were promised in the program description. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
No internet but nice apartments, nice people. |
* Food: |
Amount of money given to us was sufficient, obviously the food in Bologna is excellent and affordable. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Italy isn't very inclusive to foreigners. But I knew this coming in. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have an experience but I know that those who did found it difficult to access the same level of healthcare we have in the US. |
* Safety: |
Very very safe. My father was pickpocketed when he visited, and I heard of a few other Americans being pickpocketed. But I think Bologna is safer than most places in the USA. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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* Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
* Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | lots of shopping and traveling. there should be more money for traveling. I barely slept in my apartment so maybe less money on housing and more on travel. |
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 |
Not much english in Bologna |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
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? | 202 (intermediate) |
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? | Try to speak italian with the other americans. good luck though, it probably won't happen. definitely be friends with italians or at least other foreign students who can only speak italian with you |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | nothing |