Experience report by Kristina Heinzer about her language study trip to Italy and the USA

Kristina Heinzer aus Glarus
Kristina Heinzer from Glarus has a
Language studies in Italy and the USA

Why did you decide to go on a language study trip?

I decided to go on a language study trip to learn English and Italian in greater depth. Italian because I have Italian roots and English to improve my professional standing. I also wanted to experience something different and enjoy a really warm summer. That's why I went to Siena in Italy for five weeks over the summer.

In which country and in which city did your language study trip take place?

First, I went to New York for two months from the beginning of April to the beginning of June 2012, to Tarrytown to be precise. There I lived on the EF campus in a room for four. If you're used to Swiss standards, it's a big change. I think it would have been better to go to a family. Nevertheless, I liked it. I made a lot of friends on campus, especially from South America.

Almost immediately afterwards, I went to Siena in Italy for five weeks, to the Dante Alighieri School. This was arranged by ESL. There I lived in a shared flat with two young women who were studying and working in Siena. I immediately liked this better than New York, as it was simply more comfortable and I could cook for myself. In general, the food in Italy was worlds better than in New York. Personally, I really like Italian and am happy when I can now have light conversation with my parents in Italian.

Which language study trip provider did you register with? How satisfied were you with this provider?

The providers were EF and ESL. I was satisfied with both providers, but ESL seemed more "familiar" to me overall.

What tips would you give to anyone interested in a language study trip?

My tips are very clear:

  • go to families or shared flats
  • think carefully about what you want to experience (big city feeling or a quieter atmosphere?)
  • not to go too short (some friends only went for 2 weeks and really regretted it)
  • not only look for German-speaking friends
  • in the USA on campus tend to be self-catering, in my experience the campus food is, well, let's call it edible ;-)

Pictures from my language study trip to Siena/Italy and New York/USA (click on the pictures to enlarge):

Sprachaufenthalt Italien - An einer Party mit Roommates

Overview Schools Study abroad Italy