Interstudy in Italy one of my greatest experiences ever. Past Review
By Norma R (International Business and Marketing minor in Italian., University of Nevada – Las Vegas) for
USAC Italy: Torino - International Business, Politics, Architecture, and Italian Studies
Study abroad helped me to improve my personal grow. In my case my parents are very protective so looking myself abroad away from family and friends allowed me to resolve issues and think before taking a decision because there iwas no going to be mommy o daddy who were going to came help me out. I became more independent thanks to this great experience. I even see myself being more happy every single day.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were more intense but in 10 weeks I learned more that I have learned for three semesters in America. Professors are more extrict in the grading system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
USAC Torino staff is very well prepared to help and advice American students. My expectations were well met I am very thanksful with the staff and all professor for allowing me to have such a great experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had two different living experiences because I stayed in two different apartments. The first apartment was okay, but I did not like because it is under the roof and during raining days, there were some parts where water was liking. The second apartment was great I love it. |
| * Food: |
At the begining, It was exiting to eat real Italian pizza and pasta, however at some point you miss your food and that is when the problems minght arise. I used to do grocery shopping at a supermarket called PAM and made my own food. In additions, cooking at home helps you to manage your budget better because eating in restaurants is kinda expensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had very cool feild trips to different regions of Italy. I enjoyed going to different places and getting to know new people because they contributed to my experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Thanks God, I did not visited any hospital during my stay in Torino. Some other students have accidents of got sick but from what I heard they have a good experience exept that they do not know the language. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I did try to practice the language with locals. I used to go everyday to a gelateria(a place where you can get ice cream) to practice with the owners and employees of the place. That helped a lot to improve my Italian skills because they do not speak english so in order to communicated with them I had to use what I know. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go get explore the world and get to know new people but more importantly you will get to know yourself away from family and friends. |
