Studying in Torino was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was on par with my other college courses at the time and yet still allowed me time to travel on the weekends. The Modern Architecture and History of Interior Design classes were in depth and very informational. The Introduction to Italian classes were a good basis for the language but not nearly enough to have a firm grasp. The Italian Cuisine classes were the highlight of the trip. They were an interesting adventure into the culinary culture of Italy and a fountain of great knowledge and experience to help me cook there and at home when I returned.

On-site administration of your program

Alyssa Nota was an amazing administrator of the program because she truly cares about the students for which she leads. She also wants each of her students to take part of the Italian way of life so that everyone will have a broader scope of life and culture. Eliana Silvestro manages all the class schedules. She is always there to help figure things out and offer a friendly smile. Daniele Cataldo handles the housing and activities for the program. He helps the students with anything and is often seen helping the students with their apartments or arranging sporting events such as bowling, volleyball and other sports. They are truly an amazing group and I am thankful that I was able to study abroad with them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived close to the school which helped to aid my studying. I had prearranged before I left the US to stay with a friend but the downside with living with other Americans is that you speak English at home. However, having another American at home I think lessens the overall culture shock. At least at home you can talk to someone and be understood. The apartments are nice but small when compared to American standards. However, it has everything that is needed and you quickly learn one can live with a lot less than what we are accustomed to in the US. The places are great as long as you approach with an open mind and a willingness to embrace another culture.

The food was amazing. It is Italy after all. There was a great pizza and gelato place below where I lived, the market was a 10 minute walk away (less if I was lazy and took the bus), a butcher below, a bakery around the corner (very dangerous for my waistline), and the mall was down the street with more restaurants. Another great place was the SAA Bar. The baristas are amazing, a great place to practice your Italian, and the food is great and cheap. Also in regards to food, if you get the chance to take Italian cuisine, especially with Professor Bottero, do it. You will not regret it.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Prior to going, I knew nothing about Torino. After spending time there I hope to go back often and maybe one day have a second home there. There are tons of amenities. It was the first capital of unified Italy, it is home the the second largest Egyptian museum in the world, it has the National Cinema Museum (in the building that is one of the symbols of the city), a great Oriental Art Museum, amazing piazzas, beautiful parks, and I could go on. It is also located near the Alps, only a 2 hour train ride from Milano, 3 hours to the beach, and 5 hours from Paris. The people are nice and friendly and there are enough English speakers that everyone is willing to help you learn Italian.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health issues there were taken care of by a doctor that handles all the USAC students. He is closely located near the school and speaks English so everything is taken care of with ease. If things should need more attention, there is a hospital close by the school too. As far as safety, I never felt unsafe. I have traveled and lived in large cities often so I am quite comfortable in those environments. Like all large cities, if you are aware of your surroundings and make wise decisions and you will be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

At the school everyone that I needed to speak to knew some level of English and since language was not my main area of study, I took the Introduction to Italian classes during the first and second sessions of the summer. The courses gave me a good foundation that allowed me to make basic typical interactions with locals (most of whom did not speak a lot of English) such as ordering at restaurants, buying things at the markets and other daily activities needed for living and since I spoke no Italian prior to being there, what I did learn was amazing.

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• Apartment

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• Americans