Past Review
By Allie N (Kinesiology and Exercise Science., Georgia College & State University) for
Georgia College and State University: Montepulciano - GCSU in Montepulciano
This study abroad experience was the best experience of my life. I would not take it back for anything. It really helped me take a step in my independence and helped me branch out to meet new people. I realized that the world is a big place and there is a lot to do and see, but you have to have your head on your shoulders and money to support where you go.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Seeing all of the artwork and architecture in Italy was absolutely amazing. I was always taken aback. I took a history of Rome course and we spent a weekend in Rome. I got to see so much more and learn more about events and different parts of the Roman culture that most tourists are completely oblivious to. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved all of the faculty on this trip. Everyone was so nice and willing to help in any way necessary. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was amazing!! Everyone had different apartments, but they all resembled the Italian culture. One this about Italy is that they do not have heating and air conditioning, so we left our balcony doors open at night. Montepulciano is such a safe town, though, that this was not even a concern. <br /><br /> My apartment was situated at the top of the hill in Montepulciano (it is a VERY high hill) and so climbing up there after classes every day was not fun, but our apartment was amazing. It looked like it was straight out of IKEA. All of the furniture was so nice and the beds were comfortable. |
| * Food: |
It is Italy, so of course the food is amazing. Most of it is high in carbs but that is just their culture. We had a lot of pasta and pizza. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people on this trip were amazing. We all made friends very quickly and everyone was welcoming and nice. We were all experiencing something amazing for the first time together, so it added to the bonding. Also, long train rides are a good way to get to know each other. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
One boy got sick the first week we were in Italy and had to be sent home. Everyone else was healthy, though. We all got little colds throughout the trip but nothing very serious. There were little pharmacies all throughout the town. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent probably a couple hundred dollars on food each week. Most of this was on the weekend, though. At night we had dinner provided for us and for breakfast and lunch I typically ate at the apartment. Sometimes I ate out for lunch, though. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I had to use my own money for anything that I bought over in Italy, so I saved up about $2000. This was to make sure that I would have plenty of money to spend without worrying. The thing that cost the most was going on weekend trips and paying for train tickets and hostel/hotel rooms. Make sure you budget your money throughout the trip so you don't run out of money before the trip is over. Also, BUY CHEESY SOUVENIRS!!! You will be so glad that you did!!! Buy pictures that you see people selling on the canal in Venice. Go to the top of the Spanish steps in Rome and buy water colors. It is these little things I have placed around my room that I treasure every day. And take too many pictures. Overall, budgeting my money was not that hard. Just know if you want to go on weekend trips or not and know that you will have to pay for your food while you are out there. One thing that I wish I had known about was train tickets. You HAVE to have your ticket punched before you get on a train because the conductor WILL come by to ticket check you and if it is not punched, there is a hefty fine. I lost about 60 euros because of this. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My major does not require me to take a language and I have never taken an Italian class. Nevertheless, I did pick up a lot of words, like "prosciutto" mean ham. Most Italians can also speak English so communication was never a problem. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get lost!! Explore every town that you go to! Go to the big touristy places, but also go down streets (that seem safe and not alone) to experience the Italian culture. Really explore Montepulciano. It is a little town, but it has so much to offer!!! Also, if you really want to do something but it seems too expensive, do it anyways. A gondola ride may seem expensive, but most Italians are up for bargaining and you may never get the chance again! |
