Ciao! Avventura Italiana Past Review
By Jezel Mallaney (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/11/2019 to 05/31/2019 with
Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Exploration of Italian History, Culture, and Technology
Although this was not my first time abroad, this was definitely the trip that I gained the most independence from. I love learning about a new culture and there is no better way to discover one than to immerse yourself in it. Studying abroad is an amazing experience that everyone should have. The knowledge you can gain is invaluable, and traveling is always a once in a lifetime opportunity. Italy is a beautiful country with a rich history and tradition. Surround yourself with art, culture, and vino as you explore the Italian way of life.
Review Photos
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. |
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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? |
I lived in an apartment with three other girls. Our housing was very nice and was located in a great spot. On our street was a small piazza, gelato shop, trendy brunch place, and a few restaurants. The bridge to the duomo was a short walk away. |
| * Food: |
The food was absolutely delicious. It mainly consisted of pastas, pizza, and gelato. Dietary restrictions such as gluten sensitivity may be hard to accommodate. |
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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: |
I felt very safe in the city of Florence where most of our time was spent. If it got to be too late a night I did make sure to walk around with a group. |
| 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) |
It was easy to find really great food and drinks for cheap. The largest expense for me was probably shopping. The mercatos and shops have so much to offer, its hard not to buy enough stuff to fill another suitcase. I did bring toiletry items with me and did not have to pay for them there. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | I recommend making friends that speak the language and practicing while buying small things such as a cappuccino or a scoop of gelato. |
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? | If you have prescheduled free time, plan what to do before you leave. It is also important to pack for some variation in weather. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
