Sicily: Hidden Paradise with CET Past Review
By Stephanie K (Neurobiology, Harvard University) for
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Yes! From this experience, I gained a new sense of self-confidence. I trust more in myself and how I handle situations. I met amazing new people whom I will never forget and learned about Sicilian culture, which is fascinating! Everyone in Sicily who worked for CET offered us so much support, yet I still felt independent while abroad. I truly enjoyed myself and plan to go back to Sicily to visit the friends I have made.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was manageable and allowed students to have enough time to explore the city and become assimilated with the culture. It was clear that our professors wanted us to learn and cared if we understood the material. At times, I felt as though things were simplified a bit too much for us and would have liked to be challenged a bit more. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The resident director for the program in Sicily is amazing. She really helped us day to day and made our stay in Catania so wonderful. She helped us with any sort of problem we may have had, from suggesting a good place to eat and to giving us directions to the beach, to explaining the culture and providing emotional support throughout the trip. She and the assistant resident director did a great job in organizing trips and arranging housing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment we were staying at was very close to where classes were held. We had everything we could possible need at a walking distance and the neighborhood was safe. I enjoyed living with all the students in the program in the same apartment, as it really helped us bond. I also appreciated the presence of our Italian roommates, who helped us so much, giving us advice and practicing the language with us. The nightlife in Catania, Piazza Teatro, was at a 2 minute walking distance from the apartment, making going out more convenient. |
| * Food: |
I recommend that students go to Pizzeria del Centro, next to Wine Bar Razzmatazz. It serves the most delicious pizza I have ever had in my life and is run by a father and his son, who make the pizza right in front of you. I also suggest that students go to Cafe Uzeda for gelato. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every night in Catania was memorable. Piazza Teatro is always full of life and locals are so friendly and willing to talk to you. I recommend that everyone on the program also go to Taormina, specifically Isola Bella, a beautiful beach only a train ride away. Other beaches at walking distance are also worth frequenting. Students should also persuade the resident director to take them to Etna Land, the best water park you will ever visit. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was never harmed nor robbed while in Sicily. On the contrary, Sicilians made me feel very welcome and safe. The resident director and assistant resident director are also always a phone call away and come rushing to the apartment or where ever the student may be to help them during a medical emergency. |
| 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? | $1500 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Via Etna is a street lined with stores to shop in. I recommend that students do bring a bit of extra money to spend there. Also, I recommend that students try cooking and look up recipes to cook while in Italy, as eating out can get expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Italian Cb (4th semester of Italian) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
In Catania, we not only had the opportunity to practice Italian in class, CET also had us living with Italian roommates with whom we could speak. We also made local friends during everyday interactions with whom we began to spend time with and who only spoke Italian to us. We had the incredible opportunity to pick up some Sicilian vocabulary as well. We did not meet many people who spoke English, which made it very easy to improve our Italian skills. |
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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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? | I recommend this program to any student who truly wishes to improve their Italian speaking skills and experience a new culture. I also suggest that students go out and try to meet the locals, as they'll be the ones that truly help them with their Italian. |
