Beyond anything I've ever experienced. December 21, 2021
By Anna Perry Blanco (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/20/2021 to 11/21/2021 with
University of Georgia: Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy
Before I say anything, I would definitely say that the experience abroad was worthwhile. I gained a new vast catalogue of visuals to use at my disposal, a collective of memorial experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and new profound sense of identity and purpose.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education experience was absolutely incredible. As an artist, it's practically impossible not to learn, grow, and mature while in one of the most important countries for the development of Western art- Italy. Every class felt impactful to me and helped me improve. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program would not have run quite as well or been quite as enjoyable if it wasn't for the administration staff. They honestly deserve a raise for the amount of work they did to make it possible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not have any issues with my housing! However, I could see if there was an influx of people how it could be slightly cramped on the interior, but you're honestly running around so much you're barely inside. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy. Need I say more? I never had a bad meal and that doesn't just include restaurants, but also street food, fruit and veggie stands, and meals prepped by my friends. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Italians are incredibly friendly. Especially the residents in Cortona, as the program is such a big part for the town. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
As someone who came down with an infection and struggled excessively with mental health that semester, I can say first-hand, both physically and mentally, that I was cared for extremely well. |
| * Safety: |
As with most cities, there were a couple instances where someone's stuff was stolen due to negligence and opportunity. As long as you're street smart and keep track of your belongings, there should be no issue. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program delivered on so many things that I was looking forward to and surprised me in ways that I was unprepared for, but needed. I have grown and filled myself with so much new vigor, lust for life, and the need for creative pursuit. I am proud to say I have come back different. I may not be the same but I consider myself a much better all-around person than I have ever been. |
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) |
I would like to recommend that while not impossible to be able to live on a student's budget, I do think it's impossible if you want the whole experience of studying abroad. You want to have extra cash lying around for unplanned activities such as museums, transportation, exotic food, and of course treats to brings back home. You don't want to have the stress of money holding you back from experiencing your fullest for the trip. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buying groceries instead of eating out every meal would be something I would highly recommend. Also keep your eye out for street food vendors and pizza by the slice places, as those are wonderful cheap food options that will fill you up. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We would have lessons once a week where students could ask questions. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Highschool spanish class |
| 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? | I am honestly not the proficient in language so I don't have too much advice other than google translate is your friend. |
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? | 0 |
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? | I wish I knew to pack less so I could bring home more cool stuff. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
