Life Changing Past Review

By (HISTORY., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
how to talk to people from different cultures, I got to visit where my family lives even though I don't know them, become more outgoing, how to live on my own and how to deal with pressure situations when things go wrong

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* 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? $150 to $300 depending if i traveled that weekend or not, weekdays not as much
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? always look for the lowest prices at stores and buy on campus meal plans because buying food and eating out does add up. also if you're looking to travel a lot get familiar with transportation and book in advance to save money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? high school
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? just talk to people in your neighborhood and local stores and restraunt and just practice

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Living in Rome
  • Traveling in Europe
  • Being around amazing and fun people
* What could be improved?
  • JCU admin as far as online grades and easier out of class communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? not to buy used language books