Learning to live like an Italian in Roma! Past Review

By Destini B (International Studies, Oglethorpe University) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This experience taught me that to really understand a culture you have to live it. You can't just go abroad and be American. You have to try and immerse yourself as much as possible. On the other hand, you can't be too critical of yourself if you make a mistake. After all you are there temporary and you only have a couple months to try and adjust to the society- which has many unwritten rules that you won't know about unless someone tells you. Just stay calm, relax, and be yourself.

Review Photos

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The workload is similar to what I would have at my home University. This program isn't one of those where you go abroad to travel. They expect you to be in class, learn something, and do your work. However, the teachers understand that you are in a foreign country and will help you as much as they can.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The program's strength is that the faculty is there to help you and each of them have lived in Italy for years. In fact, most of them are Italian. They can explain the day-to-day interactions and answer your questions about things that absolutely baffle you. Hilariously, you will probably baffle them a few times in return! The program is also pretty small so you can connect with others more easily. The classes are challenging and attendance is a requirements, so if you just want a vacation I'd pick another program.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I live about a 30 min walk from the campus or a 15 min bus ride. Thankfully Rome has an excellent transportation system so it is easy to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time. The program also provided us with items like sheets and blankets although it got pretty cold at night in the beginning. Our apartment is located in a residential area (meaning hardly any tourists come here) so you are able to experience how Romans actually live.
* Food:	There is several supermarkets within 5 mins of the apartment and there is also a fresh food market a street over so it is really easy to cook. It is also really easy to get to restaurants- you can hop on a bus and get to anything you want or you can try one of the few local restaurants (where no one speaks English) and get really good food!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	CEA took us on a number of trips: Orvieto, Florence, The Park of Monsters. They also arranged for us to take a cooking class and learn how to make pasta. Soon we will bike the Apian Way!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Rome is pretty safe. There were a couple people who were pick pocketed in our program but nothing really serious. Mostly you just need to use your common sense. Don't get in an unmarked car because you need a taxis. Don't walk late at night by yourself especially if you are female. Mostly you just have to use your common sense and if you wouldn't do it at home- don't do it here. The program has access to a doctor that speaks English and he is pretty nice. Medicine is really cheap here so it is not really a problem to get it. You can even just go straight to the pharmacy and describe your symptoms and they'll give you something since most pharmacists have medical training- just make sure that you know the Italian words for your symptoms.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	The best way to learn language skills is to go into shops or bars and just try and make yourself speak what you know. Most people here know rudimentary English and they love that you are willing to try and speak their language! They also are really nice about mistakes and will probably correct you.