How to be Fully Integrated in a Foreign City and Villa Nazareth Past Review

By (Spanish/Italian, University of Dayton) for

Italy Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
most definitely - I learned enough to be able to completely start a new life in another area.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The biggest thing to get used to in the Italian education system is having to take oral exams - in Italian. Very difficult, but considering that I came back with very good grades, definitely doable!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were so excited to help me as one of the only Americans in the residence and help me get acclimated to my new home in a new language.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We cooked for ourselves, so I got to learn so much about Italian cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made all of my plans myself, but the most memorable was getting to be present at the Beatification mass for Pope John Paul II.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just be sure to not be out alone after dark, especially in the city. Have a deep purse with a zipper and learn how to use the buses.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students