Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My wonderful and fascinating class trip to Bologna. Past Review

By (HISTORY., University of Massachusetts - Boston) - abroad from 06/22/2014 to 07/05/2014 with

University of Massachusetts Boston: Bologna - From Bologna to Blogosphere: A History of Written Correspondence, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The trip was absolutely worthwhile! This was the first time that I had an educational experience where I was able to understand what I was learning in the classroom by exploring the local culture and history of a place. The classes were very informative, but I felt that my learning experience was unequivocally enhanced by going to museums, touring the city, and working with actual medieval manuscripts. The combination of the academic with the cultural was very enjoyable.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My overall educational experience was wonderful. The class was a great combination of academic learning and cultural experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of the program was well organized. I could tell that our Italian professors had put a lot of thought and effort into the program, and they were always very conscious of our needs and interests.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was very clean and comfortable.

* Food:

The food was amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very easy to feel integrated into the local culture in Bologna. We were able to walk just about everywhere, and while the city has a lot to offer tourists, it did not feel touristy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Bologna.

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)

I ended up spending the most money on food during my trip.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to find a grocery store early on and, if possible, bring food back to your dorm to save money on food.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

The program encouraged me to try to speak Italian, although it was not absolutely necessary.

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? I had never taken Italian before.
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? It would help to have a small dictionary or book of phrases.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The city of Bologna
  • My professors and fellow classmates
  • Working with medieval manuscripts
* What could be improved?
  • Learning more about the topic before going abroad.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had purchased a guidebook to Bologna beforehand. We went over so much material and visited so many historic places that I wish I had some previous knowledge so that I could properly appreciate everything.

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 Linguist
You 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!