Meraviglioso! Past Review
By Jessica K (Government & Italian Studies, Wesleyan University) - abroad from 01/08/2015 to 05/22/2015 with
Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program
It was definitely worthwhile! I improved my language skills, became a more experienced traveller, and became more independent overall.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was very well organized. Courses were challenging, but not overwhelming. There was some time for travel, but it was limited enough that we were encouraged to stay in Italy and not leave the country too often. Living situations were organized for us, which was very helpful, but the dorm situation was a little less desirable than at Wesleyan. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
The main outside expense was travel, which was not required. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself and plan travel ahead of time. |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Italian 240 (content level course) |
| 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 make friends that are not only other Americans studying abroad. Attend cultural events, such as museum tours or film screenings in the foreign language. |
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? | It goes very fast, so make the most of everyday! I also did not realize how important it is to try to make local friends, even if it is intimidating, because it can be lonely at times. |
