Sicily: Paradise on Earth with CET Past Review
By Stephanie K (Neurobiology, Harvard University) for
Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much from this program. I indeed gained more self-confidence and independence while abroad. I feel like every moment of the trip was worthwhile. I had the opportunity to make friends abroad and learn about an amazing culture. While class did improve my Italian skills, I feel that I learned even more outside of class in my daily interactions with the locals. I hope to go back to Catania, perhaps even attend medical school there- I just fell in love with the city and its people. The program really allowed us to make the most out of the culture and the people and to really feel like we lived in Catania.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program had a light, but effective homework load. More material could have been covered in class and class could have taken place at a quicker place. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The resident director provided us with a lot of support. She offered us advice on where to go and what to do and was there for us when we needed help, especially during any emotional problems. The professors also went out of their way to make us feel at home in the host country. The program was small, which made it better. Although we were in Sicily, where things take a long time to get done, the program directors managed to be effective in doing things within a reasonable amount of time. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The students of the program lived together in one large apartment. This allowed us all to get to know each other and bond, which I really enjoyed. The apartment was well-equipped; we had two kitchens, a terrace and each bed room had its own bathroom. We only needed to buy food and cleaning supplies. The program supplied us with sheets, towels, cookware and enough cleaning supplies to start us off. The neighborhood was very safe. We were about a 7 minute walk from class, and a 2 minute walk from Piazza Teatro, the center for nightlife in the city. However it was still quite in the apartment; the proximity to the nightlife was not bothersome. The apartment was about a 10 minute walk from the supermarket, but there were restaurants and a small grocery store on the same block. It was really an ideal living situation. We were also living with two Italian roommates, who were there to help us practice Italian and answer any questions we might have had. |
| * Food: |
There are a lot of options for people with dietary restrictions, but I am unsure about how someone with a gluten allergy would do. I recommend that students try pesce spada (even if you usually don't like fish) and horse meat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of my local friends took us to see Steve Aoki live and afterwards we watched Mt. Etna erupt. He drove us up to see the eruption closer; this was at around 3AM. Afterwards we went out for freshly bakes croissants stuffed with nutella. It was the best night of my life. Our program also took us to Aci Trezza, a town by the sea. There are rocks there said to have been thrown at Odysseus by Polyphemus. There we ate pesce spada and watched a procession- a statue of the town's patron saint San Giovanni was being carried down the streets. Children would be lifted up and kiss the statue in order to receive good luck. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt that the city was very safe; I never felt like I was in any danger. Pharmacists can help with most problems and if a student needs a hospital the resident director will accompany the student if he/she needs assistance. |
| 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 around $180 on food and personal expenses a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I recommend students eat breakfast and lunch at home (buy groceries). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? |
Students in the program practiced language with everyone. The locals really did not speak English so we used Italian everyday in almost every interaction. We spoke English with the Resident Director and the other students in the program and occasionally with our professors outside of class. Catania is a great city to learn Italian because, since it is not as touristic as other cities, like Rome and Florence, you're forced to use the language. |
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? | I full-heartedly encourage students to participate in this program. This program would most benefit students seeking to practice and improve their Italian skills in both class and on the street. I recommend that students converse with locals, go to the same shops and restaurants and make friends with the people who work there. Sicilians are friendly and helpful. I also suggest that students be open-minded and embrace the culture while abroad. |
