Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italia Past Review

By (art/humanities, University of Northern Iowa) for

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Sacred Space Honors Capstone in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I gained insight into the differences between the American life and life in Italy. I am also more sure of myself when handling new environments.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Bring at least one towel with you for the trip. And hand sanitizer as it is hard to find and is expensive in Italy. I also ended up using a lot of it because soap in restrooms is scarce.

* Food:

Local grocery stores have affordable food items when compared to the restaurants. Use them to plan ahead for the next days breakfast, snacks, and for late night food incase you don't get back in time for a full meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the day trip to Venice! Take the opportunity to ride in a gondola because I did not and wish that I would have. The Gubbio Festival was also very exciting!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learn some of the basic language before hand, and learn more about the differences between American and Italian public facilities before hand as well.