Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy: A Remarkable Experience Past Review

By (HISTORY., Presbyterian College) for

Umbra Institute: Perugia - Direct Enrollment in Semester, Summer or Academic Year Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I gained a great deal of confidence and independence. After living in a country where I arrived completely alone and little to no knowledge of the language, I feel that I can handle anything.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Perugia is extremely safe and I never had any trouble.

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? About $100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be conscious of the exchange rate and fees that American banks charge when you withdraw money.

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? Intermediate Spanish
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I used my Italian every day with countless individuals.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? Expect the unexpected, but no matter what happens, you are in the most beautiful place in the world.