Advice From Past Students

When students complete an education abroad program, we send out a survey for feedback. We ask that they share helpful information and advice for future students. Here is a compilation of wisdom from your peers travels.

Kansas State University in Italy Programs:

Advice on costs:

  • Save money by buying groceries and cooking. We tried to spend more on weekends when we traveled to places outside of Orvieto. We were all money conscious and would spend mostly when we needed to.
  • Do not splurge your first week.
  • Traveling can be expensive. You have to pay for the Funicular, train tickets, hotel, etc. Don’t be afraid of using a hostel to save money.
  • Be prepared for household items to be much smaller here than in America.

Advise on interacting with the locals:

  • You have to get out of your comfort zone. Start by asking their names and go from there. Be kind to them and they will be kind to you.
  • Absolutely try to learn some basic Italian.
  • Walk around the city and see everything you can.
  • Sometimes you just have to roll with it and deal with difficult people who may not be very nice to you
  • They will stare! Try to view it as curiosity, not disrespect.
  • Create relationships by going to restaurants and grocery stores repeatedly, and be friendly.
  • Sit at the restaurants, don't be afraid to ask stupid questions - they will judge you anyways.
  • Walk to a random cafe and sit down and enjoy a cappuccino.
  • Pet the cats, they're locals too!

Comments on personal growth:

  • I learned how to get along and communicate with others that are different than me.
  • I grew my communication skills and became more confident in my capacity for independence.
  • I learned that I might be interested in doing different things with my career post-graduation.
  • I learned how to be independent when traveling.
  • I learned how to navigate public transportation in a foreign language! If I can do this, I can do anything back in the States.
  • The culture shock and different way of life was so eye-opening and such a good learning experience. In addition, I learned how to navigate a European country all by myself!
  • I got to learn a lot about Italian culture and got to meet a lot of amazing friends.