middlebury schools abroad evaluation: 2009-2010 fileuniversita degli studi di ferrara middlebury...

This document contains respondents between 1 and 4 inclusive.

Middlebury Schools Abroad Evaluation: 2009-2010Evaluating your period of study abroad is one of the most valuable services you can

render Middlebury College and future students planning to study abroad, and it is one ofthe most important ways you can help us maintain the highest possible standards. For

this reason, until this form is submitted to International Programs and Off Campus Studya hold will be placed on official Middlebury transcript requests for Middlebury College

students who studied at Middlebury Schools Abroad. Please note: If you studied abroadfor two semesters on two different programs, you must submit two separate evaluations.

The staff of International Programs and Off Campus Study welcomes the opportunity tohear about your experiences abroad; please feel free to stop by or call and talk with us!

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Respondent 1 Submit date: Aug 5, 2010

Home Institution

Middlebury

Other Institution

If other than Middlebury, please indicate your home institution:

.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........

Year of expected graduation

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

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At which university did you primarily conduct your studies?

---IN CHINA---

Zhejiang University of Technology

---IN FRANCE---

Universite Bordeaux 3- Michel de Montaigne

Universite Bordeaux 4- Montesquieu

Sciences Po- Bordeaux

Universite de Poitiers

Centre Madeleine

Universite de Paris 1- Pantheon Sorbonne

Universite de Paris 3- Sorbonne Nouvelle

Universite de Paris 5- Descartes

Universite de Paris 7- Diderot

Institut Catholique

Escole Normal de Musique Alfred Cortot

Escole Special d'Architecture

Sciences Po- Paris

---GERMANY---

Freie Universitat

Johannes Gutenberg Universitat

---ITALY---

Universita degli Studi di Ferrara

Middlebury College School in Italy- Sede

Universita degli Studi di Firenze

Universita degli Studi di Roma- "La Sapienza"

---JAPAN---

International Christian University

---IN LATIN AMERICA---

-ARGENTINA-

Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciencias Sociales

Universidad de Buenos Aires, Filosofia y Letras

Universidad del Salvador of 59

Universidad Torcuato de Tella

Universidad Nacional de Tucuman

-BRAZIL-

Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Minas Gerais

Universidade Federal Fluminense

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

-CHILE-

Universidad de Chile

Universidad de Concepcion

Universidad de la Serena

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

Universidad de la Frontera

Universidad Austral de Chile

Universidad de Playa Ancha

Universidad de Valparaiso

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

-MEXICO-

Universidad de Guadalajara

Universidad Veracruzana

-URUGUAY-

Universidad Catolica de Uruguay

Universidad de la Republica

Universidad ORT

---IN THE MIDDLE EAST---

Alexandria University

---IN RUSSIA---

Irkutsk State University

The Russian State University for the Humanities

Yaroslavl Pedagogical University

---IN SPAIN---

Universidad de Cordoba

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid of 59

Universidad de la Rioja

Middlebury College School in Spain - Sede Prim

What was the period of your study abroad?

2009-2010 Fall Semester

2009-2010 Spring Semester

2009-2010 Academic Year

2009 - Spring then Fall Semester

EVALUATION OF PERSONAL LEARNING

Given that educational systems abroad differ significantly from our own, please reflect on your adjustment toyour host country's educational environment. What effects did this different academic environment have onyour learning, both inside and outside the classroom? In what ways did you benefit from being in a differentacademic environment?

The Italian University system is totally different than what we have at Middlebury. That being said, it wasn't too difficult to adjust. As long as you able to function

independently, it is really no problem. I can't say that it benefited me in any way, as in general, the quality of education is below that of Middlebury, but it wasn't too

difficult of an adjustment.

AFTER studying abroad, how do you now view the differences/similarities between the culture of your hostcountry and that of your own?

Identical Very Similar Mostly SimilarSomewhatDifferent Very Different

Please Comment:

American culture pervades the life and culture of Italian students. Less so for the older generations.

How has study abroad influenced your understanding of your host culture? In what ways has it influencedyour perceptions of American culture?

Italians, in general, are stuck with the problem of being proud of their past and ashamed of the fact that in many ways, their country doesn't keep up with the present.

As a result, much of the younger population turns towards American culture and ignores traditional Italian culture. It has shown me how dominant American pop

culture is outside of the U.S.

In what ways has study abroad contributed to your personal growth? What personal characteristics did youfind most useful during your time abroad?

Studying in Ferrara is a lesson in independence. Between relatively little contact or support from the Middlebury School, to a general lack of English being spoken in

the area, independence is both an important attribute, and an inevitable development.

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How has study abroad influenced your academic and career goals? How has it influenced your personalgoals?

I don't know that study abroad influenced my academic or career goals. Personally, it has made me want more independence in my day to day life.

EVALUATION OF LEVEL OF INTEGRATION

What was your housing situation during your study abroad?

Homestay

Dormitory/Student Residence/Foyer

Apartment

Other (please describe)

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.........

Do you feel that your housing situation provided you with an opportunity to integrate into the host culture,and/or provided you a context for gaining insight into the host culture?

Not at all - itwas isolating

Somewhathelpful, but lessthan I expected

As helpful as Iexpected

Somewhatmore helpful

than I'dexpected

Very helpful interms offostering

insights and/ormy integration

Please comment on your response to the question above.

I was lucky enough to live in an apartment with two Italian students who were enthusiastic about including me in their day to day lives. Without these two guys my

experience would have been significantly less enjoyable.

Did you take courses alongside students from the host country?

Yes

No

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If you answered yes to the question above, how well do you feel that your mainstream classes helped you todevelop relationships with nationals of the host country or integrate into the host culture?

Poor

Neutral

Helpful

Very Helpful

Not Applicable

Comments

Most of these students have been together for years and know that we are only there for a few months, and large lectures are bad for fostering friendships.

Did you participate in any extra-curricular activities or internships?

Yes

No

If you answered yes to the question above, were your extra-curricular activities helpful in assisting yourintegration into the host culture?

Not helpfulSomewhat

helpful Very helpful

Please describe the extra-curricular activities or internship in which you participated, and make any additionalcomments about these activities that you think would be helpful to Middlebury staff or future students.

My internship at the Institute for Contemporary History of Ferrara gave me a glimpse into the Italian workplace and the many ways in which it differs from the

American workplace. In general, it seemed to be more relaxed, less formal, and overall, a smaller time commitment, than what I have experienced in the U.S.

What kind of progress did you make in your listening comprehension of the language?

Noimprovement

Littleimprovement

Improvedsomewhat Improved

Very muchimproved

What kind of progress did you make in your ability to read in the language?

Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved

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What kind of progress did you make in your ability to write in the language?

Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved

What kind of progress did you make in your ability to speak in the language?

Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved

Please comment on the progress you made in your target language. Was it greater or less than you hadexpected? What do you think were some of the factors that contributed to your progress (or lack thereof),either on your own part or on the part of the program? Do you have any specific suggestions for the programand/or for future students that pertain to language learning?

I was content with the improvement. It is usually difficult to improve your writing in the Italian education system as there is little to no formal evaluation of writing, but

my internship provided me with ample opportunity to write and gain feedback.

EVALUATION OF ACADEMICS

Are there any particular academic strengths of your host university/program that you would recommend toother students?

Yes

No

Please Explain:

The architecture program is one of the best in Italy.

Are there any particular academic weaknesses of which other students should also be aware?

Yes

No

Please Explain:

In general, the level of academic rigor is well below Middlebury's.

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Please tell us about the courses you took, including what level (intro/upper/seminar.) If you did anindependent study project or internship, please describe it.

Course Title #1

Middlebury's class

At which institution/university did you take this course?

University of Ferrara/Middlebury

Means of assessment (e.g., papers, exams, homework, etc.)

Papers, Written Exams, Participation, Presentation

Please describe the course content:

This is Middlebury's course, just for students on the Middlebury program. The instructor is very engaged and likable. She is the closest thing to an American

professor that you will find in Ferrara. The course covered some grammar review as well as literature dealing with the Court and Ferrara.

Please describe the means by which the material/concepts for this course were conveyed, particularly if theteaching style was different from what you are used to.

We did a fair deal of reading and then followed this with discussions. Very similar to typical Middlebury-style discussions.

Other comments about this course:

I feel that we covered very little content.

Please indicate the extent of your agreement with the following statement:

"I learned a great deal in this course."

Stronglydisagree Disagree

Neither agreenor disagree Agree Strongly agree


"The instructor's teaching in this course was effective."



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Course Title #2

Storia moderna


Universita di Ferrara


Written Exam, Oral Exam


European History from the 15th century until the early 19th century.


Readings and Lectures. We read two books, one of which dealt with the chronological events and the other one the social implications of these events. The first book

was covered with a written exam, the second with an oral exam. The teacher was great, a dynamic lecturer who would occasionally actually ask for input from the

class, which is rare in Italy.


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Course Title #3

Storia dell'arte dei paesi europei.


Universita di Ferrara


Oral Exam


Study of Caravaggio's life and works, as well as relevant topics in art history.


A number of readings, approximately 200 pages worth, and a lecture. The professor was also a great lecturer, but very little student input, as is the norm.


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Course Title #4

Internship at the Institute for Contemporary History of Ferrara


Institute for Contemporary History of Ferrara


Final papers for Middlebury


I spent most of my time doing independent research in the archive and developing a personal thesis. I worked with the staff there to develop this tehsis.


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........


This was a valuable way to work on writing in Italian as well as get a bit of the flavor of local history. The staff was great, very welcoming, and in general, I was quite

pleased with my experience there, even if at times I may have found myself with compelling work to complete.









EVALUATION OF PROGRAM/UNIVERSITY AND STUDY-ABROAD EXPERIENCE OVERALL

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For the following questions, please rate your experience with Middlebury staff and staff abroad using the five-point scales provided.

Did Midldlebury provide you with adequate information prior to departure?

Poor Good Excellent

Did Middlebury provide you with an appropriate orientation on arrival?

Poor Good Excellent

Did Middlebury provide you with sufficient support while you were abroad?

Poor Good Excellent

Were the on-site staff (Resident Director, Academic Director, Resident Coordinator, support staff, etc.) helpfulto you during your study abroad?

Poor Good Excellent

Were your on-site staff concerned about your general well being and success, and approachable?

Not concerned or approachable

Approachable, but not concerned

Concerned, but not approachable

Somewhat concerned and approachable

Very concerned and approachable

Did you see or experience any form of discrimination or harassment in your host country?

Yes

No

If you answered yes to the question above, what advice would you give to future students? Likewise, if youhave advice for Middlebury staff, please share that as well.

It's better to be a guy than to be a girl. Discrimination is rarely violent or harmful, but it's always there.

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Would you recommend that other students attend this program or university? Why or why not?

Yes

No

Please Explain:

It was a great experience, but you must know that you will be totally independent there, and that the money that you are giving to Middlebury isn't being used for your

benefit, but rather the benefit of students in Florence.

What advice would you give to other students considering study abroad in general, and this program oruniversity in particular?

Ferrara is a great place to learn the language and culture. Find an apartment with likeable people, preferably students that don't go home every weekend, and try to

use them as resources to enrich your experience.

Did you make use of the health insurance provided by Middlebury?

Yes

No

EVALUATION OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OFF-CAMPUS STUDY

ALL STUDENTS: What aspects of the pre-departure process did you find particularly useful (or not), and howwould you recommend that we improve the pre-departure meeting or supplemental materials?

I don't remember that much about them, but that goes to show that I didn't use the information that much.

ALL STUDENTS: Please use this space if you would like to provide additional feedback on your pre-departureinformation, orientation, or program support.

Once again, I must reiterate that I felt as if my study abroad money was going to pay the salaries of staff who did not do much to enhance my experience. It's not a

personal or contemptuous statement, just a fact of the study abroad program in Italy. I understand the focus on independence that Middlebury is pushing, but it is

often difficult to understand why it seemed like little to no effort was made to enhance our experience for the tuition fee that we paid.

FOR STUDENTS FROM COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES OTHER THAN MIDDLEBURY

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Home Institution

Middlebury

Other Institution


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........


2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

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---IN CHINA---


---IN FRANCE---





Centre Madeleine





Institut Catholique



Sciences Po- Paris

---GERMANY---

Freie Universitat


---ITALY---





---JAPAN---



-ARGENTINA-






-BRAZIL-




-CHILE-










-MEXICO-



-URUGUAY-



Universidad ORT



---IN RUSSIA---




---IN SPAIN---












It was a real learning experience being in a native Italian institution. The difficulties of speaking a different language were only the beginning - and knowing that

professors didn't make themselves available for me and that I was in a class of 130 students took some real adjustments. I was often really frustrated with the lack of

resources and the slowness of the culture. For example I couldn't find books or photocopies that were absolutely necessary for class - and professors wouldn't

respond to questions or emails on a regular basis. Homework was rarely collected - it was really difficult to remain motivated. All that being said, my peers were

used to these "flaws" and always available to help me with my doubts. I was also encouraged me to be a more self-sufficient student and make my own schedules. I

had to study at my own pace, and fight through the system myself if i wanted to succeed. I feel like Italy doesn't make individual education easy, but if you can make

your way through the university system, you really force yourself to be a more mature and self disciplined student.



Please Comment:

I almost feel as if i was more prepared for the differences than i was for the similarities between our cultures. I was constantly shocked to see how deeply American

culture has been integrated into Italy. From food to TV references - so many things were common points of reference. That being said, the differences were

incredible. I was so impressed with the density of a city of 130,000. People live in such small quarters and the city really has a vibrant center where everyone

congregates. I loved seeing people stroll the streets just to go for a walk. A shopping trip meant you'd run into 5 or 10 people you know, that you'd go for a walk,

have a drink and return hours later. The culture is so relaxed - and people generally take themselves much less seriously than we do. It's frustrating from a work or

academic standpoint, but for the need of socializing and really learning Italian, it is brilliant.

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My year abroad has really helped me understand the great variations in the cultures within italy. Cities only a few KM apart have entirely different languages,

culinary traditions, music and styles of architecture (to name a few). Understanding the intricacies of the different cultures was so rewarding. There is no

stereotypical Italian. That being said, the culture is generally more relaxed and oriented toward the home than we are. Americans now seem to be workaholics with

less of a tie to their home town and an extreme dependance on the presence of a car. I also have a much greater respect for our academic system and for how easy

it is for young people/students to get work and actually make a difference in society. It's frustrating because now i can see so many benefits of both cultures, and just

want to mix the two cultures to create a perfect city!


My study abroad experience really encouraged me to be a more self-sufficient individual. I was forced to be extremely organized, as the Italian institutions weren't. If

i wanted something done, i had to take it upon myself to remember, i was never sent reminder emails or asked more than once for something. Homework was

mentioned quickly at the end of the class - and if i wasn't listening, I missed it. Also I had to learn how to cook and clean and live in a house with others. At

Middlebury, so much is handed to us, we don't really need to worry about food or housing - but in Italy these key skills are absolutely necessary. I had to fend for

myself 3 meals a day and learn all the wonderful recipes Italy had to offer!


Being in Italy for the year has absolutely made me want to return to Europe and continue studying the myriad types of architecture available to me abroad. It was

incredible seeing how differently 'architecture' can be defined from one culture to the next - and even one city to the next. Being able to communicate in another

language also allows you to fully understand a person’s intent - and in this case - why buildings look the way they do, what materials were used and how the city plan

evolved. Academically - I want to now tackle another language and get an internship in at least one or two other countries before I move on to grad school and settle

into a career (or at the very least return to another region in Italy). The way I think about designing a building now is different than it was before I left, and I feel with a

better understanding of ‘foreign’ cultures I will be able to use centuries of knowledge to design much more effectively.



Homestay


Apartment


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........

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than I'dexpected




At the beginning of my stay, I was thrilled to be sharing a house with 3 native Italians. Each was in a different facoltà doing a different major and also in a different

grade. This allowed me to meet all of their friends - who were very welcoming and incredibly friendly. I quickly had a friend base thanks to my housemates - and

soon knew my way around the city. In my opinion, living in an apartment with fellow students is the best if not the only way to become fully integrated into the culture.


Yes

No


Poor

Neutral

Helpful

Very Helpful

Not Applicable

Comments

Everyone in the grade-level took the same classes, making it really easy to see the same faces every day, and establish serious friendships.


Yes

No


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved

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Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


I was really shocked at the progress I made with my Italian. The most valuable learning experience was simply to go out and talk to everyone. Make a point of

making friends in class - working with others and saying yes to every invite! My speaking and listening comprehension really really improved - to the point that

everyone now and then, some native wouldn't actually believe i was from NY, but rather a fellow Italian trying to be cool. My reading and writing also greatly

improved - but not as much as speaking and listening. Italians don't write in an academic environment. Aside from my classes with the Middlebury Sede, i was only

asked to write several pages during my entire stay. I made a point of writing emails and messages to all my friends in Italian, but structured academic writing wasn't

really ever asked for. The exams were all oral - and nothing written usually has to be presented. Reading also greatly improved with all of the texts i was given, but

not to the level of speaking or listening.



Yes

No

Please Explain:

Architecture department is very well known and respected, and many of the brightest students from across Europe and Italy come to study in Ferrara.

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Yes

No

Please Explain:

It's Italy. Professors are not very responsive, and despite Ferrara's architecture facoltà being regarded as the 'most organized in Italy' neither it nor the rest of the

university is organized to the degree of an 'American' institution


Course Title #1

Design


Università degli studi di Ferrara


Homework, drawings, periodic presentations, written exams


The course was a drawing intensive, that taught us how to correctly draw everything from a quickly captured, live street view to a professional looking architectural

drafting. It also had a geography module that covered basic and advanced geometry that was very useful in both quick sketches and much more formal drafting.

History was also covered to give a basis for our projects.


Powerpoints were used in conjunction with 4 hour lecture blocks. This was followed by lunch and then a 4-5 hour studio session used to practice the principles

learned during the morning sessions. There were 3 professors and each was a specialist in a particular area, allowing us to develop many different skills in only one

course.


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Course Title #2

Urbanism




A research project involving the analysis of an urban plan of a nearby city, lengthy oral exam at the end of the semester


The course covered the history of urbanism in europe. Two texts were broad and covered all of the major european capitals and explain the evolution of their city

plans. The third text was based solely on italy, and really explained in depth the laws pertaining to development across the country. Class lectures focuses a lot on

Italy and France - but had guest presentations that covered many cities all over the world.


The structure was nothing too radical. Lectures came in 4 hour pieces - and the professor would usually spend a day or half day on one topic, one city, or one

planner before moving on. Guest lecturers were usually given no more than 2 hours to present.


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Course Title #3

20th Century Italian Literature from Ferrara


Università degli studi di Ferrara (Middlebury Sede)


Regular homework, 3 or 4 papers and a final thesis and accompanying presentation


The course was an introduction to literature based on authors from Ferrara. It interweaved poetry and novels and covered many authors. It also encouraged a full

understanding of Ferrara and required that we go out and see the sites that the authors were talking about to fully understand.


It was a fairly typical Middlebury-like seminar, with only several students. Each class was divided into about 1/3 grammar and 2/3 literature. It was highly discussion

based, and we were all encouraged to talk, read and participate.


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Course Title #4

History of Modern Architecture




Written exam for the history of art module and oral exam for the history of architecture module


The course covered both the history and evolution of modern art and modern architecture during the 20th century. Art was primarily a crutch to help understand

architecture and only took up 20-25% of class time. Architecture ranged from cities all across Europe and the USA - and focused both on the evolution of cities and

movements and on the development of specific architects and their most well known work.


The course was based on 4 hour lecture blocks. Art was allowed 2 hours, once a week, and Architecture was given 6 hours


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Course Title #5

Rilievo - Computer Mapping of a Historic Site




Several homework assignments, written exam, computer exams, regular critiques, final presentation of the semester's project


The course was divided into seminars and lectures. Each seminar covered a different topic from software to photography - they were stepping stones that helped

build valuable skills for the presentation of our final project. the lectures also taught us how to carry out a proper rilievo. The 3rd, and most important component

was a week long trip to the city of Mantova - where we basically lived in a crypt and were instructed to measure every detail of the space. We then had to create a

computerized version of the crypt and present our analysis as a final exam.


The seminars were small and somewhat Middlebury like, but took place in a computer class room - while the lectures were in 4 hour blocks and much like other

classes in the facoltà. The hands on week in Mantova was really unique and by far one of the most valuable learning experiences from my year abroad.


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Course Title #6

Italian Renaissance Literature - Ariosto & Tasso


Università degli studi di Ferrara (Middlebury Sede)


Regular homework, 3 or 4 papers and a final thesis and accompanying presentation


The course was almost entirely focused on Ariosto's Orlando Furioso - but because it's a very popular topic, we were able to study it from many different points of

view, and read several different authors interpretation of the story. We also had to learn about the history of Ferrara during the renaissance, which covered

everything from painting to architecture and literature.


It was a fairly typical Middlebury-like seminar, with only several students. Each class was divided into about 1/3 grammar and 2/3 literature. It was highly discussion

based, and we were all encouraged to talk, read and participate.


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Poor Good Excellent


Poor Good Excellent


Poor Good Excellent


Poor Good Excellent







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Yes

No


Yes

No

Please Explain:

Ferrara is an absolutely beautiful city with a very welcoming population and very few english speakers. If you want to really learn italian or do architecture, i highly

highly recommend the program.


Be prepared to speak Italian in Ferrara. In a city of this size, you will be hard pressed to find other English speakers or people who understand more than a few

words (outside of your program) take advantage of this to the fullest extent. Do not look for English, revel in the presence of the foreign language and try your best to

speak it 100% of the time. The smaller the city, the less international, and the more authentic the experience.


Yes

No



It's slightly hard to remember (as it was almost a year and a half ago! But i remember talking to the recently returned students as being really useful. They were the

most helpful as they could recommend everything from the best classes to the most accessible cell phone service.


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Home Institution

Middlebury

Other Institution


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........


2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

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---IN CHINA---


---IN FRANCE---





Centre Madeleine





Institut Catholique



Sciences Po- Paris

---GERMANY---

Freie Universitat


---ITALY---





---JAPAN---



-ARGENTINA-






-BRAZIL-




-CHILE-










-MEXICO-



-URUGUAY-



Universidad ORT



---IN RUSSIA---




---IN SPAIN---












I do not believe that I benefited from the change in educational environments, per se. I found that I learned less easily with the Italian classroom environment, which

is much more heavily based on lecturing for extended period. The Italian professors, while nice people, were not as skilled at teaching as those at Middlebury. I

believe this is a result of a fundamental difference in the relationship between teacher and student.



Please Comment:

Italian culture is a subset of western culture, so there are many similarities between their culture and ours. However, it is not as similar as German or British culture

is to ours. There are some significant differences, such as attitudes towards work and schooling that are very different


I appreciate many aspects of American culture more now than I did before studying abroad, such as the ease and breadth of goods and services always available in

the United States. My study abroad experience basically confirmed my understanding of Italian culture.


I think my time abroad has made me even more frugal with money than I was before, due to how expensive Europe is. Independence and adaptability are the keys

to a successful time abroad. Being able to adapt to the completely new circumstances is vitally necessary. In addition, though missing one's friends and family will

doubtless occur, it's important to be able to push past that and enjoy the experience while it lasts.

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I do not believe it has influenced my academic and career goals. I would now like to live in Italy one day, having seen how it is.



Homestay


Apartment


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........






than I'dexpected




It was helpful living with a family and I certainly met many interesting people through them, but I feel I may have been more apt to associate with other students more

had I not always had them to come home and eat with.


Yes

No

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Poor

Neutral

Helpful

Very Helpful

Not Applicable

Comments

.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........


Yes

No


Not helpfulSomewhat



I interned at IBO Italia, a not-for-profit that set up volunteer service activities for Italians and foreigners. It was helpful both for the expansion od my vocabulary that

working there facilitated, and merely the opportunity to meet more people.


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved

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Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


I gained some fluency and confidence in Italian, less than I expected, but I apparently was further along than I had thought before getting to Italy. My vocabulary

greatly improved, mostly because of the need to know and remember new words so that I could communicate with those Italians who did not speak English. I would

advise future students not to speak English, as tempting as it is. While switching back and forth between English and Italian is helpful to some extent, speaking large

amounts of English is not helpful.



Yes

No

Please Explain:

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.........


Yes

No

Please Explain:

No political science department

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Course Title #1

Intro Industrial Economics


University of Ferrara


Written midterm and final or a comprehensive written final


Business theory and practice, industrial models


Lectures and exercise sessions


Not a good course to take unless one is very confident in their Italian









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Course Title #2

Intro Contemporary History




Oral exam


Italian history from reunification to the oil crisis


Lectures


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........









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Course Title #3

Italian Literature and Comprehension




Papers and Essay exams


Study of Ariosto and Tasso


No different from Middlebury


This course was set up by Middlebury for the abroad students









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Course Title #4

Intership at IBO Italia


n/a


Evaluation by supervisor, final paper


I translated documents from Italian to English


n/a


Very helpful for my reading and writing skills












Poor Good Excellent

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Poor Good Excellent


Poor Good Excellent


Poor Good Excellent








Yes

No


Yes

No

Please Explain:

.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........


Go abroad, it's the experience of a lifetime. ALso, while abroad, travel as much as your means make you able, I traveled almost every weekend and still wish I had

done more.

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Yes

No



Most of information was repeated and elaborated on during the orientation at Ferrara, so just focusing on those things that the student needs to do or set up before

leaving would suffice for a pre-departure meeting.


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Home Institution

Middlebury

Other Institution


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........


2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

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---IN CHINA---


---IN FRANCE---





Centre Madeleine





Institut Catholique



Sciences Po- Paris

---GERMANY---

Freie Universitat


---ITALY---





---JAPAN---



-ARGENTINA-






-BRAZIL-




-CHILE-










-MEXICO-



-URUGUAY-



Universidad ORT



---IN RUSSIA---




---IN SPAIN---












The Italian university system was very different from Middlebury. It is difficult to adjust to larger classrooms, written and oral examinations and the mostly impersonal

method of teaching. However, I did learn to appreciate Middlebury. Also, my Italian university gave me greater independence, in and out of the classroom.



Please Comment:

Since it I studied in a European country I cannot say that the cultural differences were vastly different. However, Italy is traditional and old-fashioned. The differences

weren't vast but they were certainly noteworthy.


I have a much greater understanding of Italy's culture; one that doesn't derive from courses and textbooks. I now appreciate American culture and diversity much

more.


Living in Ferrara was closer to "real life" than anything I had experienced at Middlebury. It helped me grow into a more independent person. My patience certainly

helped during my time abroad.


It has helped prepare me for senior year and my thesis, as well as, caused me to consider returning to Italy if the career opportunities arise.

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Homestay


Apartment


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........






than I'dexpected




It was very helpful to live with Italian students and be able to interact with them regularly.


Yes

No


Poor

Neutral

Helpful

Very Helpful

Not Applicable

Comments

It is a good idea to attend classes with nationals, but it can be challenging to intergrate yourself.

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Yes

No


Not helpfulSomewhat



I wrote two articles for a school newspaper which helped me meet new people. I also did a few translations for IBO, a non-profit organization, which was interesting

work.


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved


Noimprovement

Littleimprovement


Very muchimproved

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Living in Italy certainly helped my level of Italian. From pure need to communicate, I quickly improved. It is necessary not to grow frustrated in the first months and to

really make an effort and not be afraid to make mistakes.



Yes

No

Please Explain:

.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........


Yes

No

Please Explain:

.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........

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Course Title #1

Filologia della letteratura italiana (Intro)


Univerity of Ferrara


Final oral exam


A study of how written and printed texts are altered over time.


Lectures


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........









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Course Title #2

Storia Romana (Intro)




Exams and final oral exam


Roman history.


Lectures.


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........









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Course Title #3

Linguistica Italiana (Intro)




Final written exam


A breve history of the Italian language and its grammar.


Lectures


Difficult final exam.









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Course Title #4

Italian Writing and Composition I


University of Ferrara/CLA


Papers, Homework, Exams


A study of various authors and their relationship to Ferrara in the 20th century.


Lectures, in-class discussions


Very interesting









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Course Title #5

Storia dell'arte dei paesi europei (intro)




Final Oral Exam


A look at the life and works of the great Italian painter, Caravaggio.


Lectures


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........









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Course Title #6

Letteratura Italiana 1 (intro)




Final Oral Exam


A history of Italian literature, from the Sicilian poets to Petrarch.


Lectures


.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................................

.........









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Course Title #3

Letteratura Italiana Contemporanea




Final Oral Exam


A look at the poetry of Eugenio Montale.


Lectures and discussion


A very difficult class for foreign students.









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Course Title #4

Italian Writing and Composition II


University of Ferrara/CLA


Papers, homework, exams


A look at two of Ferrara's greatest poets: Ariosto and Tasso.


Lectures and discussions


Very interesting












Poor Good Excellent

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Poor Good Excellent


Poor Good Excellent


Poor Good Excellent








Yes

No


Yes

No

Please Explain:

Ferrara is a great city and perfect for learning Italian.


Studying abroad is the best experience I have ever had. It greatly changes your views of the world and of the people in it. You learn to be more understanding of

differences. I highly recommend it to any Middlebury student. Ferrara, in particular, is amazing for those studying Italian. It is a true, small, historic, Italian city.

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Yes

No



It was useful to hear the different accounts from Middlebury students that had studied abroad the year prior. Their knowledge should be made more easily

accessible.


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middlebury schools abroad evaluation: 2009-2010 fileuniversita degli studi di ferrara middlebury...

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