Bologna is the way to go if you truly want to learn Italian. Past Review
By Maria S (Italian Studies, Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/06/2013 to 05/15/2014 with
Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program
There's so much that I gained from my experience that I cannot write it all in a small box... However, I would do it a million times over. It was extremely worth while.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had some really great classes and others not as great. The academic rigor was less than at Wellesley, but I found I needed more time to study because all of my classes - readings included- were in Italian. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I grew to love ECCO's administration. They handle things in a very Italian way, which at first was hard to get used to, but they always respond to emails, phone calls, etc. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
We received a food stipend and cooked for ourselves. The food stipend was 350-400 euros a month. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The success of social and cultural integration depended on your initiative. You do have to work to integrate. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare was easily accessible. They provided a doctor who spoke English, thus there was never a language barrier when it came to medical problems. I only had one serious problem. I called the doctor. He was at the hospital at the time, so I went there and was attended to immediately. No vaccines needed. |
* Safety: |
VERY SAFE! Bologna is wonderful/ |
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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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | None. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look for an apartment with a kitchen. It saves TONS of money. |
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 program was entirely in Italian. |
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? | Fluent |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | two two-hundred level coourses |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try to immerse yourself in the language. Make friends from the country and hang out with them as much as possible. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Buy a phone that can take an Italian SIM card. At times I was without cellphone service for upto 3 weeks. The thing that saved me was my smartphone that I purchased in Bologna at the beginning of my stay. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |