Belle parole non pascon i gatti. We do Past Review
By A student (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/27/2017 to 11/19/2018 with
University of Georgia: Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy
It was. It was deffinitvely eye opening and how different america is from italy. Italy is so much more conscientious of how much they waste and their resources.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Definitively had to work to get my readings done on time. the resources were fantastic. I would recommend bringing bug spray, advil/tylenol and small medicines like Tums. It's a bit difficult when trying to get the italian versions of them when you don't know the substances making up the medicines. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
If you open you doors and windows, open all of them. [I had a patio door and the door leading to the main hallway in Room #2]. Hummingbird moths have a tendency to fly in and get stuck in the room. If you open the door and windows they fly right in and out. They are harmless. They just make a lost of noise from their wings. Also close your windows when it gets dark at 5 or you'll get bitten by mosquitoes. |
| * Food: |
The angels [helpers] are amazing! They set out breakfast every morning! I find that if you buy a carton of eggs you can make an omelet or grilled cheese from the meets and cheese they put out. They are sweet hearts. I recommend learning some Italian to talk to them more. They know a lot of english but learning some italian helps a ton and makes them appreciate more when you try to learn their language and culture. Also Tonino's for dinner is amazing! You will never leave hungry! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had an amazing time! I became friends with the Signorellie's staff and they helped so much in teaching my roommate and I Italian. As well as Enza and Zoey! They are all so sweet and will go out of their way to help you. I do also recommend making friends with the highschoolers in town. They are very kind and will show you all the in's and outs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The line was long to get antibiotics when I got a skin infection. But they were dirt cheap. About 12$. Took a few but I ended up getting what i needed and the infection went away in 3-4 days. You just have to cut the tablets in half because they are so strong. |
| * Safety: |
Didn't have a problem with safety. But I would recommend going to the car with a group of people and not alone. |
| 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
spent 50$ weekly on food. Spent more on gifts and souvenirs more than anything. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-80$ [80$ when we spent more than one day on weekend trips to other cities like Naples |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to camuchia to buy souvenirs and clothes [it get's cold and the coats are cheap] |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Spanish. Helped since it is very similar to italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Memorize the Italian conjugation chart |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | IT IS FREEZING AT NIGHT. Would have brought slippers and fuzzy pants. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
