Rome: a city unlike any other Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was perfect. It is more relaxed here, which helps because it is important to have enough time to travel while you're in your study abroad country. The only problem was that during fall break for the Global Center, John Cabot University did not have a break, so we had to stay in Rome for the entire week for only two classes (instead of using that week to spend more time in surrounding Europe).

On-site administration of your program

I have only good things to say about the Global Campus administration. They make things so easy, and they handle things excellently. They were perfect when we arrived not knowing anything about the country--they gave us lots of information, and switching around classes, etc. was surprisingly easy. They're very social and comfortable to be around--they're like family! I didn't like John Cabot's administration--most people find them slow-moving and not as caring about students. However, they have a good club system and plan events well. If you ask them directly to call you a cab also, they're good at helping out with that.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing situation was awesome. The apartment came with sheets and one comforter each, cookware, and a small box of commonly needed items (pasta sauce, detergent, nutella, sponges, etc.) Our flat was five minutes away from Global Center and a 45 minute commute from John Cabot, but the commute isn't bad once you get used to it. It can be a little annoying at first, but it's all good. The same thing with nightlife: it can seem stressful at first to get to the city center, but after you learn how the city works, it's not bad.

Casina dei Pini is an excellent place to eat--their Bruschetta ai Carciofini is 6.50 euro, so not that bad, and it tastes incredible. The margherita pizzas in Italy are great deals, ranging from 3-5 euro. They're thin and you can eat the whole thing yourself. Gelato is also awesome, obviously. There's some good places on Via Bari (near our flat), but also an incredible place near the Pantheon, with around 100 different flavors.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The kids in my program were awesome, and we became close with a lot of them. I loved my roomies and was also able to meet a few Italians through going to our favorite restaurants and nightlife. CEA did a great job of planning trips through private buses and the trains at Termini. They're good with day trips and even planned a weekend trip to Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any safety-related issues--everything is pretty safe. I didn't have any healthcare problems either, but if you do have any, the pharmacies are plentiful and can help you out.

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

I could practice with some of the kids in my study abroad program because some of them were fluent. John Cabot also had a lot of Italian students that people could practice with. I could also practice with my Global Center Italian teacher. You do need to use the Italian language in daily interactions--most Italians know no English (some know a little). You can get around decently by knowing about ten key phrases.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• Meeting new friends
• Traveling around Italy/Europe
• The food

• Teachers explaining what they want from students more clearly