Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immersive and fun May 29, 2025

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/08/2025 to 05/15/2025 with

Eastern College Consortium (ECCO): Bologna - Università di Bologna Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to advocate for myself. I am a shy person but I found myself interacting with more people daily in shops, restaurants, the train station, and my dorm. This experience was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I definitely learned a lot about grammar and improved my Italian writing and speaking skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Super helpful administration at ECCO. They provided so many suggestions and resources to help with academics and navigating Italy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I somewhat wish there was a way to match international students with Italian roommates that have similar living styles as us, but I know that that would be difficult.

* Food:

I loved the restaurants around ECCO.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found myself speaking Italian often in shops, my dorm, and in classes.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the doctor after having a bad cold and he was very kind and did a decent diagnostic test. Healthcare was accessible and not too expensive for a consultation. I did not need any vaccines for this specific program.

* Safety:

I personally never felt unsafe, but of course, I exercised caution and made sure to not put myself in harm's way.

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

I really love Italian and the culture and geography, so I would choose the program again.

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)

The stipend that they gave us for food of 20 euros/day was enough for me. Groceries are decently cheap. There are certain affordable restaurants as well. I usually had breakfast and dinner at home and then had lunch outside.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 euros (outside of the stipend that they gave us)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be smart with when and where you eat out. If you eat out, breakfast and lunch are generally cheaper than dinner. If you are traveling to other places for fun, it is good to book in advance before tickets get more expensive.

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? ITAS 203 (it is like ITAS 201 and ITAS 202 combined)
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 have conversations with your roommates or any shop attendants. Those are easy ways to gain practical vocabulary.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • Language immersion
  • Classes
  • Staff and advisors
* What could be improved?
  • More recommended University of Bologna courses in different disciplines (more guidance)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Italian exams are mostly oral, fun fact. Get a bit more comfortable speaking to people to avoid so many nerves.

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!