An Amazing Experience: Wish I could do it again! Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 05/21/2018 to 06/23/2018 with

Borromini Institute: Rome - Critical Studies on Food in Italy Food Systems and Sustainability

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was my first time in Europe, so I was able to learn and understand the European and Mediterranean cultures. I also was able to learn from locals about food systems and sustainability within Italy, and understand the differences between both Italy and the USA. I loved everything about my experience with Gustolab and Rome, it was defenitly worthwhile.

Review Photos

Gustolab International: Rome - Critical Studies on Food in Italy Food Systems and Sustainability Photo

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.

* 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

This is such a unique program and especially interesting if you are into food, culture or sustainability. Plus, the school is within the city center, and housing is at the most a thirty-minute walk. You get to experience Rome in such a unique way as well. Also, I made lifetime friends in the program as well!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to budget yourself for both food, necessities and spending money, when you first arrive so you don't go through all your money too fast in the beginning!

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? Beginner
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? I took up to French 4 in 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? Use a language learning app, such as Babbel or Duolingo. They are super helpful, and not very time-consuming!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Classes
  • The Location
  • The Staff
* What could be improved?
  • More Information Prior to Program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew what the classes and my schedule would have been before the program started. The schedule was not shown until the first day of the program.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!