The Viterbo Experience Past Review
By Athena T (International Affairs and Philosophy of Law, Ethics, and Politics, University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 05/19/2012 to 08/03/2012 with
USAC Italy: Viterbo - Intensive Italian Language, History, and the Arts
How to be flexible, patient, and independent.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I only took language classes, so for learning Italian, the classes were perfect! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were always willing to help no matter the time of day or situation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived right inside the walls near one of the main entrances. My favorite cafe was about 10 feet from the bottom floor of my building and the school was about a 5 minute walk away |
| * Food: |
The food tasted amazing and for Italy, it was fairly cheap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to sign up for a language partner and volunteering at a local school, however because I went during the summer, it was hard to meet Italians my own age. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I would walk around at night and feel completely safe. |
| 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) |
But only because Italy gave me a bit of a shopping addiction. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Get a language partner and be involved! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | NA |
