New friends, new food, and great time was had by all on the Italian Study Abroad experience. Past Review
By Caitlin C (Political Science, College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy
I loved this experience. And I have gained the knowledge of overcoming obstacles. Since being abroad I realize that I want to live in a different country when I am older.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | I attended College Year in Athens (CEA) during the first half of fall 2011 semester |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved my time in Italy. The atmosphere in the classroom and outside experiencing the Italian culture was amazing. I was able to learn about history on an archaeological site,see paintings and sculptures firsthand, and converse with the locals. I would not have had these opportunities if it weren't for the CYA program. I thought that the education system in Italy is similar to the states- except more time learning outside the classroom. I knew when signing up for this program I would taught a class while touring museums and sites. However, we did so much more than learn- we observed and experience the real thing. I will miss Italy and am so happy I took the chance of living abroad a semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought that all of the staff members at CEA were extremely helpful. Always responding quick to emails if I ever had a question. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked the apartment that we stayed at. There is a terrace, 2 bathrooms, and a nice kitchen. Honestly, the place is perfect. |
| * Food: |
I bought the food tickets, they should do a better job of explaining where they can be used. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
CEA set up amazing social experiences. The gelato crawl and wine tasting were my favorite! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not have any safety issues. However, when friends of mine did they were helped through every step of the way. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We have an Italian class. We learned the survival phrases for the Italian language. I liked learning the basics so I am able to talk with the locals. It allows me to experience the culture in a new way that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Be open to try new things. And participate in everything that you can. You will be surprised at what you enjoy! |
