Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning About, Living In, and Loving Italia Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/11/2012 to 05/29/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was most definitely worthwhile! Having Italy as my classroom was amazing! Interacting with Italy and the Italians was a very enjoyable and memorable way to study. I got a look at and feel for how another culture and it's society function. It helped me understand the basis for our American culture and society. Studying abroad (even if it was only for a few weeks) is the best decision I've made as a university student. It was an enjoyable experience that I know I could have only gained by going abroad.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was my first time staying in a hostel, and to my surprise they are actually very nice and comfortable.

* Food:

Delicious. I liked to try something new every meal! Also, one word, Gelato.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt more integrated with the local culture the more we were out of touristy areas.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A few of the students had minor health issues, and the issues were addressed and resolved by the professor in a timely and useful fashion.

* Safety:

I give it 4.5 stars because I was very conscious of the pick-pocketers.

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)

It was easy and manageable to stay on a budget for food and personal expenses.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? 1. Exchange your dollars for euros BEFORE you leave the US. Wells Fargo charges $5 to exchange however much money you want. It is much more expensive than this when you are in Italy. Change houses charge commission (I saw commission rates as high as 20%) and a standard fee (as high as $10), so you lose a lot during an exchange. 2. Split meals with classmates 3. Bring breakfast bars and snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, and etc.)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • This program is unique because it requires students to immerse themselves in the everyday Italian lifestyle and culture. We interacted with the culture by touring, traveling, roaming, dining, exploring, and the list goes on. You name it, we did it. It was great.
  • The exceptional organization of the program is very notable. I could tell that my professor and UNI's Study Abroad Center put a big effort towards preparing the trip to be flawless.
* What could be improved?
  • The length of time that we spent at the different major cities could have been imporoved.
  • The students should be required to take a foreign language course in the prepatory phase to learn key statements and phrases. Doing so would allow the sudents to better interact with the culture.
  • Leonardo da Vinci is one of the greatest minds in all of history, and this program should include attending his museum (in Florence and Milan) because he is a major part of Italy's history.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I mainly wish that I would have known the best way to exchange US dollars for European euros. Making exchanges with change houses was a huge hassle, and I lost a lot of money by doing it the wrong way. Everyone, exchange your dollars for euros before you leave the US.