Italy: A Beautiful Land with a Rich History Past Review
By Clarissa M (Leisure Studies: Tourism, University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy
It was definitely worthwhile to be able to see how people live across the world; it helped me realize the things we all have in common and the things we view differently, even in the modern age. I would love to be able to travel to Europe again to visit other countries--you can always learn something from traveling!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would have liked more structure in the learning material. My class was allowed to work in small groups, but because we each chose a different topic within the elements of culture, we really didn't have a unified discussion or come to a common conclusion. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My faculty leader wasn't extremely knowledgeable about the country or cities we visited, although she was very enthusiastic. The size of the group was ideal, but my expectations concerning the academic side of the program were not met because I didn't learn a substantial amount about culture specific to Italians. As far as expectations in leading us from one place to another on site, I was satisfied. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
The one disappointment I had was the fact that I was constantly buying bottled water in order to stay hydrated, since we were not advised to drink tap water. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed the variety of places and cities I was able to see. The landscapes were truly spectacular. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I cannot recall a time that I felt unsafe; the main piece of advice is to always carry your passport and money close to you. I didn't have an experience where I needed health care, though I am confident that it would have taken care of quickly. I did not need any vaccines specifically for my program. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people did not speak English, though because it was a short-term stay, we could get along with only knowing how to speak certain words and phrases when communicating. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do as much research about the country and the types of activities you may want to do before you leave; this will also help you be more familiar with the cities you will visit. Students with any major would benefit, but particularly those who are interested in the study of language. |
