Immersing into the Italian Culture and the Growth of Self Through that Immersion July 12, 2022

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While the course itself was not intense in terms of rigor, it challenged students to apply the knowledge they learned in class to their lives and analyze how American political culture impacts them and vice versa. This is where the "intensity" and "rigor" came in, but it was in the sense that traditional academics were challenged because the students were taught HOW to think rather than simply WHAT to think. Critical thinking skills were used frequently.

On-site administration of your program

Students were accommodated at the Casa Monteripido in Perugia, Italy where the Francescan monks were hospitable, helpful, and eager to answer questions regarding their lifestyle and beliefs.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The monastery, Casa Monteripido, was a fantastic place to stay for students on this particular trip. There were enough rules to keep the students respectful and mindful while still free to be themselves and enjoy their abroad experience. There was no air conditioning, but that was to be expected, and I rather enjoyed sleeping with the windows open. Other than AC, the monastery was equipt with modern amenities that kept the students comfortable and safe.

Our program used a catering service for food during the week, and the people were amiable as well as invested in ensuring that we experienced the full pleasure of Italian cuisine.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since Perugia was a smaller town despite being the capital of Umbria, I felt close to the residents, and we were even able to frequent certain establishments to the point where the owners recognized us and were excited to serve us.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience with a health concern, but I'm sure that the Italian healthcare system would have been amicable and polite just as much of the rest of my experience with the society was.

Perugia was incredibly safe once we got our bearings and learned the city. I would suggest to future students traveling to bigger cities in Italy (particularly Naples) to purchase a fanny pack that fits underneath clothing because we did have an incident with a student's passport and credit cards being pick-pocketed. Stay in a larger group and be smart.

Dr. Tkacik cared for his students but also didn't suffocate them with itineraries and schedules. He cared more about the experiences we had and the memories we made than keeping a particular path, instead, he encouraged students to carve their own paths and make their own ways. We were encouraged to be independent outside of class. We also were taught critical thinking skills about the knowledge we were gaining in class which we then applied to current events in our lives that affect us. Like-minded people surrounded me because it was an Honors program, and I hope to have made lifelong friends.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Food costs for excursions and weekends added up significantly despite the instructor's best efforts to cover some of those meals. The program was already costly, so it was rather frustrating to have to provide so much of the food for ourselves. I felt that with how expensive the program costs were, personal expenses on food should not have been what they were.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program itself did not encourage the use of the Italian language but immersion in the culture did.

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Other

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The cultural experiences.
• The friends I made.
• The memories I'll have forever.

• I didn't enjoy how short our trip to Pompeii was.
• I wish we could have seen the inside of the Colosseum.
• I did not enjoy Naples because it didn't feel very safe.

The Avid Adventurer