Italian Adventures with Paolo! Past Review
By Emily (Xavier University) - abroad from 03/03/2017 to 03/12/2017 with
Xavier University: Slow Food: We are What we Eat, Hosted by CEPA
I learned more about the Italian culture, language, and food. It was amazing and I can not wait to go back to Italy in the future!
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had some problems with wifi connection but I was there to learn, not be on my phone so it wasn't that big of a deal for me personally. |
* Food: |
Most of the food was amazing! We definitely got to try new things and find the best gelato in each city we stayed in! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I was a littler nervous the first night in each city, but I felt very safe and our tour guide, Paolo, was very helpful and made us feel safe. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
II had an amazing time and learned so much. It was truly a great experience. |
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) |
It was very easy and I ended up coming back with money too. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 250 euro |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to go to a branch of your bank that has the other currency because it will save you processing and shipping fees. |
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 |
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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? | Italian 102 |
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? | Even if you mess up, keep using the language and try your best! The locals are usually pretty accepting of your language barrier and want to try to help you too. |
Other Program Information
* 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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* 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? | 0 |
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? | European shoe sizing. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |