Studying abraod in Urbino was the best decision I've ever made. Past Review

By (Marketing And International Business, Villanova University) - abroad from 01/11/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

Villanova University: Urbino - Italian Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I grow as a student through the rigorous and exciting CE program in Urbino, I grew as a person. I will definitely pursue a career involving international business and will continue to cultivate relationships with the many people I met during my time abroad. I feel that I have a better understanding of Italian culture and my heritage, as well as a better understanding of myself and my hopes for the future. I would recommend this program to all students.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues

* Safety:

I always felt completely safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Dont spend all of your money on drinks the first week. You have months to party.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? computer games helped me more than class.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Urbino as the location
  • Pete Cullen
  • The CE program
* What could be improved?
  • Our second Italian teacher was pretty bad
  • Paulo Seri is a nice guy but not a good teacher
  • This would be a good summer program if it lasted all summer...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If I could go back in time I would tell myself to not be scared, and be open to new experiences right away. And plan way in advance for spring break.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.