Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy: It Will Change Your Perspective on Everything Past Review

By (Philosophy., Providence College) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was very difficult at times, but worth it in the end. It changed the way I value things.

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.

My academic experience was very similar in all ways to my school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This program is still in its early years, so their resources aren't all that great. But the staff was very enthusiastic and kind.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was not included in my program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trips too Sorrento, Capri and Florence were great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Most stereo-types about pick-pockets and muggers are false.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? The cost of living seemed to be a lot higher for people my age, especially in western Europe.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

It's best to practice language with local people. Most people speak very little to no English.

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It immersed me in the true culture of Rome.
  • Faculty was very helpful and friendly, as well as down to earth.
  • I was able to truly get to know new people.
* What could be improved?
  • It was too small, in terms of people.
  • Not enough resources such as access to a gym or a legitimate library.
  • Too far away from the center of Rome.