101 reviews
4.17 / 5 based on 101 reviews
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2
Bethlehem G
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: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Again, I would have to say that in three months time, you definitely cover a good two semesters of Italian. The best thing is to expose yourself to the language before studying abroad (sit-in on an elementary class), which is what I did. I noticed an immense improvement in my understanding and speaking comfort that I did not have while taking Italian courses at my home university. You really start to THINK in Italian, thats the difference.
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Bethlehem G
Academic
Course recommendations
Stranieri is a great school, but some of there computer programs and labs are a bit archaic and not always available to students. There is no syllabus "programma" for the courses, so for those who like to gauge the material that they will be covering in the course, you can't.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Conversation courses are extremely lacking, which is why its important to either live with an Italian, or put up an ad offering to practice english in exchange for Italian lessons.
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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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Bethlehem G
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Other
Other sources of funding:
Family<br>
Personal savings<br>
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Because I went through my home univeristy, just the cost of tuition for the program alone was what my expenses would be enrolling in the University independently (combined with other costs: food, rent, expenses, etc) for a good 4 months or so. Also, you tend to go out more when abroad, so that cost factors in.
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Food, Travel, Overall, Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Telephone, Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
I ran-out of money during the last three weeks of my program. It seems that all those transfer fees from my bank card were pretty significant, along with the fact that I had under budgeted my housing costs (after choosing to room with other American students, and food was more expensive than I had anticipated. I reccommend that students try really budget well before hand (over estimate), and follow through while you are abroad. Also, it may help to open an account in the host country in order to avoid gross bank exchange rate charges.
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Bethlehem G
Overall
I wish I had known...
That I would have a hard time getting back on the plane to return home.
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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
Stranieri is the most inexpensive language school in Italy, as well is Perugia as a city. You can't go wrong with being in the heart of Italy (Umbrian countryside), not feeling like you live in a "tourist" town- cause Perugia is definitely authentic in many respects. I thought I wouldn't miss it over Rome, but in fact I am planning on returning to commence language courses next year.
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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
Always make an effort to be empathetic, tolerant and yet guarded. Many times the culture is very difficult for people to understand or rationalize, but you need to be careful not to cast dubious judgements or lack in making a true and sincere effort to open yourself to the language and the people.
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1
Bethlehem G
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I would choose to roommate with an Italian local, and not room with other American students in my program. It was a great bonding experience, however language acquisition would have been much greater had I been able to be FULLY immersed with Italians on a day-to-day basis.
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Personal comments
Housing is not arranged by the university. Generally, people refer to postings on the University board wall, seek out one of the many housing agencies, or look in the local paper "Cerco e trovo".
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Bethlehem G
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Activities: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
The big bar for students was "Merlins" located in centro. Club spots are "Domus"(open all year round), and "Velvet" (open during the spring-summer). The hang-out area is on the steps in centro. Definitely take the train to Lake Trasimeno, which can be done quite easily, along with the town of Assisi. There is also a great restaurant near the university called "Torta al Testo". I could go on and on about Perugia, LOVED IT!
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