Past Review
By Anne H (Art/Art History, Wellesley College) for
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
This program opens up a whole new world of possibilities in my own art making, and my attitudes toward the responsibility of artists to share and exchange knowledge. The directors of this program are creating and fostering a community of like minded artists who will continue to sustain each others growth and expanding awareness.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Mediars workshop is 2 full weeks of intensive exposure to new technologies and their relation to art making and cultural heritage. The lectures were given by the most advanced and involved participants in their fields- in some cases the very people who developed the technologies. I cannot imagine a better program, nor do I know of anything similar available. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director is an expert in the field and also a local to the area, and since his work involves cultural heritage, he is very knowledgeable about the history and resources of the area. I just cannot say enough about the quality of this program. It is a rare opportunity. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed at a wonderful family run bed & breakfast, in a 500 year old house that was located in the ancient Italian village of Contigliano. It was just steps to the building where our lectures and workshop were conducted, and from the wonderful restaurant where we had our meals. The rooms were clean, comfortable, secure, and we got a real feeling for life in this village, and started to know the locals in just the 2 weeks we were there. <br /><br /> Everything was provided. The food was just fantastic- we had to ask to be served less food! All of the food was fresh and local and the quality and comfort so far exceeded our expectations. |
| * Food: |
Again, leave it in their hands- a better experience could not be found. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The entire program was dedicated to art, technology and cultural heritage so we visited sites, had tours, spent days at monasteries and waterfalls. We did all of that and also put together an exhibition in an ancient Roman cave site using technology and materials we learned in the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We always felt very safe and cared for. The pharmacies in Italy are easy to use if you need anything, and they are attentive and helpful. |
| 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? | Really nothing-Most everything was included in the program. You will really only need to bring money for travel after the end of the program. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you have an iphone, call AT&T before you go- they will tell you to turn off the roaming, which you must do to avoid a hefty charge. Also you should get a package of 50 texts for about $10, which is worth it. The best way to go is to just get a phone card once you are there- very cheap and easy. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Any student with a serious interest in art, computer technology, advanced applications, museum work, exhibitions, would love this program. |
