History Without Prejudice Past Review
By Mikel N (Political Science, Chaminade University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy
The most important things I learned while studying abroad were not taught in the classroom. I have learned a great deal, and I know I will be that much more prepared for the real world thanks to this experience.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | N/A |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload this past semester was a little bit more rigorous than I expected for a study abroad program. The teachers taught well, but used the same methods (Powerpoint lectures) and it got kind of repetitive. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The attendance policy is absurd. I was stranded in Poland for 3 days when all my luggage (wallet and passport included) were stolen, and I came back to unexcused absences in my classes. For a study abroad program that is pass/fail, the emphasis should be work and tests. Not showing up to class for fear of dropping letter grades >:( |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were constantly getting noise complaints by neighbors. I think we agree with them that students should not be housed with families and geezers. |
| * Food: |
The food is different, but you learn to appreciate is. Restaurants are also expensive but that is partly the fault of the weakening of the US dollar in the foreign exchange market. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The overnight trip to Florence was a blast. Other than that I was not too impressed besides the free meals :D |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It all seemed like common sense, and my roommates and I did not have safety issues at all. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? |
Do not try to learn Italian by translating it to English. It is its own language, and needs to be learned as such. I learned about 20 words in Italian in 4 months :( We only spoke English in our apartment. |
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? | If you want to party, Rome is not for you. Expensive clubs with an extensive language barrier. If you want to learn about one of the greatest civilizations ever, you will be right at home. *Go out and interact with people, you will be surprised. |
