Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rome: That's Amore! Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/05/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): Rome - John Cabot University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it really means to be independent. For the first time, I was actually on my own. I wasn't a train ride away from home anymore. I had to learn to manage my money and time and become more of a risk-taker. If I could go back to Rome I would do it in a heartbeat. Being abroad away from everyone, really lets you settle things in you head and you come back home prepared and ready for anything. It was truly an extraordinary experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall John Cabot University had great student life filled with activities and interesting courses. The school is conveniently located in a great neighborhood filled with many natives. The professors understand the challenges one might be going through as study abroad students and definitely try to help out.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API was great in getting us established and giving us tours and backgrounds about Italy. They were super helpful in every aspect.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a stunning apartment. It was safe, filled with natives, and felt home-like. We were close to a bus stop to get to school, we had a super-market down the street as well as a coffee shop and some restaurants. Not to mention our proximity to the Vatican.

* Food:

API gave us a "Welcome" and "Arrivederci" dinner. Both were at excellent restaurants and they were full course meals. Overall, Rome had stupendous food as well. Probably one of the best parts of the trip.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Romans were very welcoming to us. Our door lady at our apartment didn't speak a word of English but also made us feel welcomed and attended any problems we had.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a friend who go sick during the trip and API helped her find an English-Speaking doctor and the service was great.

* Safety:

Rome was very safe. One could enjoy themselves without a worry.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It's definitely easy to loose track of your money when the currency is completely different. However, once you get the gist of how things work around Rome you learn how to manage your money. We usually tried to cook meals at our apartment. Once you make friends with the natives of the country they will help you get out of the tourist sections and into places that they go that offer more traditional food at cheaper prices.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $180
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to make friends with the locals. They know they country better then you do and will lead you to the more economic route.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • They offered private Italian tutors.
  • Were always helpful and willing to talk to you about anything.
  • Offered extra activities to help community.
* What could be improved?
  • Have a better maintenance crew that actually comes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to pack more lightly. I struggled so much at the airport when I arrived there and then coming back was a hassle with all the shopping I did.