A Summer of Gastronomic Education in Roma Past Review
By Courtney Cikach (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 05/23/2017 to 06/23/2017 with
Borromini Institute: Rome - Institute for Food Studies Semester and Programs
I learned much about the cultural importance of food, the nutritional aspects of the food we eat, and how much of a problem food waste is in the world. The program was extremely worthwhile.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, I very much enjoyed the academic experience here. The professors were wonderful. The coursework was multidisciplinary and the administrative staff was always helpful and very much added to the experience. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was fantastic. We had access to everything we needed and the staff provided us with many additional cultural activities that really added to the program. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not use on-site housing, but the administrative staff was very helpful in discussing my housing options while I made those decisions. |
* Food: |
The program was in Italy and was about food - so the food was incredible. I ate more than I ever have in my life. Everything was phenomenal. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Cultural integration can be tricky, but the program helped us adjust well. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any issues, but we were advised on healthcare if it was needed. |
* Safety: |
I had no fears of safety and we discussed safety extensively during orientation. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had a wonderful experience with Gustolab. It definitely increased my knowledge base in the field and made me very comfortable living abroad. They have also been extremely helpful in helping me find a graduate program in which to continue my studies. It was a very important experience for me. |
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) |
I am no longer a student, so I had more leeway with my budget, but I was able to live relatively modestly in Roma. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself a little bit at least if you have access to a kitchen. Eat at smaller establishments, which are a bit cheaper. Walk as much as you can - it's such good exercise too. Overall though, good food was pretty inexpensive in Italy. |
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 |
I did not take the language course, but I picked up a lot while I was there. |
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? | Into Course |
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 it as much as you can. Try not to speak English to native speakers if you can help it. Definitely take a language course. I wish I had, but I did not. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That the time would go by so quickly - I wish it had been longer! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |