Past Review
By Matthew S (Communication Design/Media Arts, California State University - Chico) for
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
All aspects of this program were fun and educational. I was able to practice my Italian language skills, indulge in the amazing cuisine, learn about new and interesting technology, and last but certainly not least, utilize a tremendous amount of creativity toward producing a tangible piece of art/installation to be exhibited in a foreign country. All in all i was incredibly pleased with this program and was really sad when it ended, for I made numerous friends that I still keep in contact with today.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Multiple mediums were used to teach the program's curriculum. This provided for a fun, relaxed classroom experience that focused on many different elements of the programs curriculum. The guided field trips to Rieti and Rome were also incredibly entertaining and interesting, for it provided a view of the cities that most tourists do not get to experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Alessandro and Chiara were unbelievably helpful, kind, and supportive of us all. One couldn't have asked for better people to administer/facilitate this program. Their knowledge of the country, the material, curriculum, etc. really made this trip a worthwhile experience that I would recommend to anyone |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hostel had an amazing staff that really went to great lengths to make everyone feel at home. The meals were fantastic, the premises were clean, and the staff was doubly funny and entertaining despite their limited knowledge of English. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy. Enough Said! The multi-course lunches (at a restaurant in the town center) were perhaps some of the best meals I have had to date. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The locals were incredibly welcoming and took us out on numerous occasions to their houses for meals, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was never an issue of safety, we were all looked after with great care. At the same time our personal space was respected and we were allowed to explore the area independently. |
| 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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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
It was really great to be able to practice Italian during the course of this program. The full immersion was invaluable to my knowledge of the language. While most of the people spoke English it was still fun to interact with the locals on a daily basis. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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? | If you really want to experience Italy and at the same time participate in an incredibly educational, beneficial program that looks great on your resume, than this is the program for you. I would recommend any and all of my friends to do this program! |
