Italian Higher Education Past Review

By (Higher Education/Higher Education Administration., St. Cloud State University) for

St. Cloud State University: Italy - HIED 664 – Critical Issues Seminar & HIED790 – Critical Issues in Italian Higher Ed

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a greater appreciation for the Italian Higher Educations system and their reforms. I understand the linkages to the church and where this relationship is today. I have another lens to view the U.S. higher education system and other country's systems.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

N/A

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Macerata was fabulous! I really enjoyed everything about it. The market day, textile factory, and the chocolate factory--all were amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Awareness is key, regardless of where you are. Plan ahead for minor items such as cuts, scrapes, etc. Also upset stomach. Research the signs of your host country for a pharmisist and bring a phrase book.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? including sovenigers, maybe $300/week (mostly soveneigers for my family & friends) Food was pretty cheap, we used the deli at the grocery store, at a the grab N go places, and then only ate like 2 meals a day. I also brought food with me for snacks (granola bars, etc.)'
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I didn't really have any unanticipated expenses. I was well informed ahead of time of costs.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Use the D2L site before the trip. It will help you immensely on the trip. This course is geared toward graduate students, so understand that is the level expected of you.