UGA - SPIA - GLOBIS: Verona Study Abroad Program Spring : Reviews (Florence)
The following program review responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Program Evaluation
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
The 2 orientations we had prepared us well and introduced us to the new students we would be going with. Dr. Legge was extremely helpful and answered any questions we had. He used the advise and stories of former participants to help the new students prepare the best they can for Europe and the trip.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
Orientation materials were really helpful especially when it came to money, culture shock, and safety.
Sarah L Scherer,
Spring 2019 Participant
The orientation materials prepared me for my first ever, months-long trip to Europe!
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
I never needed it, but a few people did. And when they needed health care, Dr. Legge and Dr. Farkas were tremendously helpful and made sure every student had access as quickly as possible.
Spring 2019 Participant
I always felt safe on the excursions, and in the accommodations. The means of transportation were always comfortable, and we never had an issue with missing trains, or having any property stolen etc.
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
I loved the places we stayed, they were not exactly in the city center (but I think that was on purpose) but were close enough to take a tram or bus pretty quickly. The tours we went on were led by locals who knew what they were talking about, and they had a lot of interesting information about all of the cities we traveled to.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
The location of our residence was very safe. I never felt dangerous walking to the grocery stores or walking downtown by myself. The excursions and buses were also safe.
Sarah L Scherer,
Spring 2019 Participant
Excursions included a variety of experiences from olive oil and wine tastings, to touring the Vatican!
Thomas Vincent Maddi Taylor,
Spring 2019 Participant
Great trips.
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
I enjoyed all of the classes and it was quite refreshing to take them in a new setting. Every class day we would walk down to the classroom and participate in the first two or second two of the classes. Each of the classes were imbued with the flavor from our location.
Spring 2019 Participant
Overall the classes were interesting. There was a good ratio to learning in and outside of the classroom.
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
The four classes we took had a nice balance of workload to class time as well as the excursions we went on. The classes were not extremely difficult, but you can not slack off and get by. Each professor is very helpful and if you do not understand a concept they will walk you through it until it clicks. The books we have to read are actually quite interesting and they helped us get a better grasp for the topics we were covering.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
I learned a lot in my classes, and the workload was appropriate. There was never a time that I was super stressed about getting my homework done.
Kari Ernestine Sicard,
Spring 2016 Participant
All of the destinations were excellent and fun. I really enjoyed and learned a lot about Munich, and Rome was very interesting to visit with our guided tours for the whole time.
Spring 2017 Participant
My favorite parts of the trip were the trips to Munich, Salzburg, Florence, and Rome, which were all included in the program. The Munich trip was great because we went right after our Holocaust class so it fit in perfectly with the curriculum. The Salzburg, Florence, and Rome trips were also all very educational and great cultural experiences.
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
On days in which we did not sit down for class, we would take trips and get fantastic real-world experience. Probably the most amazing part of the trip was that in each major city we traveled to, we had a tour guide take us to the most important and well-known sights and museums, as well as those things that make those cities unique. These included the Roman Forum and Colosseum, Uffizi Gallery and Duomo, and BMW Museum. I am not certain I would have been able to travel to such marvels had it not been for the guides on this trip. We took trips to cities, towns, and wineries off the beaten path, which was lovely.
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
We did some of the coolest things on our field trips. I had never traveled outside of the country, so everything seemed incredible. But I know that half the stuff we did, we could not have done if we weren't in the program. Some of my favorite days on the entire trip were on the field trips. Each trip was specific to the place we were and held a lot of information and culture of that area. In my opinion, this was the best way we learned about Italy and Germany.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
These were absolutely amazing! My favorite field trip was Dachau.
Thomas Vincent Maddi Taylor,
Spring 2019 Participant
Dachau was an incredible "field trip" to take after studying the Holocaust.
Spring 2019 Participant
The rooms were modern and clean. Some of the rooms were much larger than other rooms, but overall they were nice and a great place to relax. It was a nice walk into town and taking the bus was very easy. The residence always felt safe.
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
The residence was actually pretty nice. The rooms are set up to be more apartment style with a kitchen, so we were able to make our own food and not eat out every night. There are no ovens, which was not ideal, but everything else about the place was good. They had cleaning people come in once a week to change sheets and bring new towels, but most of the cleaning is done by us. The Residence had very helpful staff and the woman who ran the breakfast room is incredibly sweet. I liked it there!
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
The residence was extremely modern and clean.
Sarah L Scherer,
Spring 2019 Participant
Residence al Adige is an incredibly nice, up-to-date place to stay in Europe, and on a college study abroad trip no less.
Carleen Dyar Porter,
Spring 2016 Participant
Verona was an amazing experience! It is the perfect trip for anyone who wants an organized study abroad trip, but also leaves many options for those who want to travel independently! Best three months of my life; I only wish it could be longer!
Spring 2017 Participant
The group meals were always very good and authentic.
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
Group meals were terrific and appropriately chosen for each location.
Spring 2019 Participant
Group meals always left me feeling as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey. The only meal that was not good was the final meal in Salzburg. Other than that the food was excellent and I was left in a food coma after seven servings of pasta . There was always a great variety of food. The professors always made sure the meals were free of allergens, and had options for people with dietary restrictions! Soave was the greatest meal and by far one of the best experiences on the trip! I really loved going to Soave!
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
The group meals were nice. Each time we had one, it was highlighting the local cuisine and culture. My favorite group meals were the last one in Florence and the first in Munich. Dr. Farkas cares a lot about where we go and puts a lot of effort into making sure everyone would like it. Everyone looked forward to these meals!
Cassandra Cherie' Bolt,
Spring 2017 Participant
We all had ample opportunity to explore not only the Italian culture, but also all the other European cultures. We were provided with enough free time to assimilate into a different country.
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
Because we had to get our own food and had a lot of free time, you had no choice but to interact with the Veronese people. At first, Italians come off a little harsh compared to the South, but they soon warm up and if they see you trying to speak their language, they are very accommodating. We went to a refugee center
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
I met a lot of local people in Verona and on my personal trips, which made my experience even better.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
Our professors did a great job managing our program. Without their efficiency, this program wouldn't be as successful.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
Our professors truly cared about us. Most of the time, I talked to them about life and not academics.
Sarah L Scherer,
Spring 2019 Participant
Dr. Legge, Dr. Farkas and Dr. Finlay were excellent and supportive when managing a personal crisis I never expected would happen.
Spring 2017 Participant
For all of the travel, housing, meals, museum passes, etc. included in the program cost it was an amazing deal.
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
Worth every penny.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
This program was DEFINITELY worth the money.
Kari Ernestine Sicard,
Spring 2016 Participant
I didn't really know what to expect coming into the trip. It was better than I ever could have imagined it would be!
Cassandra Cherie' Bolt,
Spring 2017 Participant
It greatly surpassed my expectations. As I sit here and type this, so many memories flash through my mind. This experience changed my life innumerable ways. I will always consider Verona, Italy a home away from home.
Lillian Ruth Chriszt,
Spring 2017 Participant
It was above and beyond any expectations I had. Truly.
Spring 2019 Participant
I loved my time in Italy.
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
This program exceeded my expectations and I would take it again in a heartbeat.
Spring 2019 Participant
In many ways the program met my expectations and surpassed them. I think there was an interesting group of people, and we had a lot of fun together.
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
This was better than I ever could have imagined. I wasn't sure what to expect because I was leaving the country for the first time with a bunch of strangers. But this was the trip of a lifetime and I created so many great memories and met so many amazing people.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
This program EXCEEDED my expectations.
Thomas Vincent Maddi Taylor,
Spring 2019 Participant
Loved Dr. Farkas, Dr. Finlay and Dr. Legge. Really enjoyed the trip.
Spring 2018 Participant
This program is such a fun and maturing experience, I would recommend it to anyone.
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
On certain three-day weekends, we were able to travel on our own. During these weekends I went to Prague, Czech Republic, Bologna, Italy, Copenhagen, Denmark, Lake Como and Milan, Italy. These side trips further broadened my horizons and opened me up to new cultures, cuisines, art, architecture, and ways of life. It was also nice to go at my own pace with a small group to enjoy what these places had to offer.
Julia Ruth Koch,
Spring 2019 Participant
I loved everything about the program!
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
This was the trip of a lifetime and I am so grateful for the opportunity to go on it. I will remember it forever and cherish it.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
This was the best 2 1/2 months of my life. I wish I could relive it.
Thomas Mcbride Muller,
Spring 2020 Participant
Every professor involved in this program did a great job with their respective courses.
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
Firstly, I would recommend those who want to go on the same program or to travel to Italy or Europe in general to do it. There may be things holding you back in at home or in Athens, but I assure you that studying abroad will be the best semester of your college experience. In my program, my classes were taught by UGA or UGA-affiliated professors and credits were offered in the same manner. For those apprehensive of the language barrier, I would recommend downloading an app like Mango Languages or Duolingo in order to get some basic words and phrases of the country(ies) you are visiting under your belt. Often, the people there may speak English, however, it is polite and appreciated when you begin a conversation in their language. Additionally, I would say don't be afraid. Go out into town and do things the locals like to do. Public transportation is relatively inexpensive, so be daring and take a bus ride or train to a beautiful nearby town that has a funicular up to the top of a mountain and go hiking, as I did in Malcesine up to the top of Monte Baldo at Lake Garda. Enjoy what the area has to offer and take advantage of all of it.
Julia Ruth Koch,
Spring 2019 Participant
I would definitely recommend that future IA students participate in this program! It was so much fun and a great application of everything I had been learning.
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
Say yes! Choose to do this program, choose to go on weekend trips with people you might not be super close to, choose to go eat dinner in Piazza Erbe and people watch. There are so many opportunities on this trip to do and see amazing things, so don't get in your head, just say yes to it all!
Andrew Keniston Meaux,
Spring 2016 Participant
"Best experience of my life"
Cassandra Cherie' Bolt,
Spring 2017 Participant
This was a life-changing experience that I would not have wanted to have in any other country or town. I love Verona!
Kaitlyn Claassen Nolley,
Spring 2017 Participant
This semester surpassed any of my greatest expectations. It was filled with so many new perspectives, great travel experiences, lifelong friendships, and endless amounts of laughter. Verona allowed me to grow as a student by learning more about Italian and European history and culture, and also to grow as a person with the ability to better understand other cultures and people. Coming to Verona was the highlight of my college career.
Spring 2017 Participant
I have never grown more as a person in three months than I did in Verona.
Charles A Burstiner,
Spring 2019 Participant
Go on this program
Steven Eric Grotch,
Spring 2019 Participant
I had the time of my life on this program. For those interested in getting exposure to Italian life or to Europe I would highly recommend embarking on this trip. My eyes were opened to new cultures, cuisines, art and people. I have gained a new outlook on life and fully suspect that this trip has given me the itch to see more of the world. I can honestly say that studying abroad was the highlight of my college experience and I wouldn't have done it any other way. 10/10 recommend!
Julia Ruth Koch,
Spring 2019 Participant
This program was the time of my life! I was able to learn more about my area of study all while traveling around Europe!
Penelope Harlow Poteete,
Spring 2019 Participant
Choosing to go on the Verona Program was one of the best decisions of my life! I made memories that will last a life time and friends I will have forever.
Ryan Elizabeth Rooks,
Spring 2019 Participant
I would recommend this program to any student, no matter what their major is. Studying abroad in Verona was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I met lifelong friends and made lifelong memories.
Sarah L Scherer,
Spring 2019 Participant
"Much of the personal and intellectual growth I have achieved in college is due to my fantastic European experience in the Verona program. Grazie, Dr. Legge!" -Sarah Scherer
Spring 2019 Participant
The Verona program is everything you picture when considering studying abroad in Italy.
Thomas Vincent Maddi Taylor,
Spring 2019 Participant
I loved this program and have no idea how I didn't know anyone who had not done it before. Especially speaking some italian, I loved Verona and the professors were great.
Thomas Mcbride Muller,
Spring 2020 Participant
Verona is a beautiful city in a great location in relation to the rest of Italy. The people of Verona are carefree and enjoy spending time socializing and gathering within the piazzas.
Andrew Timothy Scott,
Spring 2020 Participant
This program was an exceptional experience in that it offered students an opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts and lessons discussed in class. The program staff exceeded my expectations, assuring that all students had a safe and memorable experience while simultaneously granting members the independence and freedom necessary to explore Europe. If you have an appetite for Italian culture, or simply want to connect with remarkable professors and students alike, I strongly encourage that you apply.