18 reviews
4.74 / 5 based on 18 reviews
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msormsby
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Although my experience was enjoyable, I feel my knowledge could've been broaden had I lived independently.
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Personal comments
My experience on this trip was extremeley enjoyable. Not only were the facilities extremely clean, the surrounding areas were beautiful. The only other thing I could have asked for was more time.
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msormsby
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
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Nightlife, Activities, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
My most enjoyable experiences were spent traveling the country. Not only are the travel accomodations reasonable, the people were kind, and the scenery was beautiful. My most memorable experiences was the Andrea Bocelli concert in Pisa, the Eros Ramozzotti concert in the Olympic Stadium, and hiking through Cinqueterra.
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msormsby
Languages
Language of instruction: Italian
Was learning Italian a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Italian
How much did you improve your Italian?
My level before: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
It was interesting to hear the different dialects when traveling throughout the country. Simply hearing the language being spoken by a native speaker helps the learning process enormously. It also helped because compared to other countries I had visited, very few people spoke English.
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msormsby
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Traveling from city to city or from country to country for that matter is cheaper because most of it can be done by train. Hostile or apartments are available for rent. Because I dinner was not included as part of our accomodations food was a good part of my expenses.
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Food, Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Overall, Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Housing, Travel:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Shopping in Italy can be addictive, be sure to get your tax back, and make the big purchases towards the end of your trip.
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msormsby
Overall
I wish I had known...
The weather. A dry heat, it does get somewhat chilly. Find a conversation partner that is a native speaker, or that lives in your host city. I was given opportunities and shown places that are interesting instead of normal tourist attractions. A must.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I was extremely happy with this university. They were extremely helpful, and made the experience more enjoyable. All of the teachers were able to speak the both Italy and English fluently, and they seemed to be as excited to have us, as we were to be there.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
The Let's Go Books can be helpful, but go there to learn. Submerse yourself in the people and the culture, and don't pollute the experience on expectations from home. You are going to experience a different style of living, and to understand a different culture, enjoy it!
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msormsby
Academic
Course recommendations
I felt language courses in the language of the host country were extremely helpful. It was easier to pick up on speech patterns, dialects, etc. when surrounded by it daily. The other course I enjoyed was the history course. Because Rome is a city rich with culture, history, and art it was amazing to see what I was learning about first hand.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
More language classes focusing on interaction with people in the actual city/country instead of what is taught strictly in the classroom setting.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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