Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beautiful Culture Past Review

By (University of North Carolina - Wilmington) - abroad from 05/23/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most important thing I will take away from this experience is the richness of the Italian culture - as an American, I believe all American people should learn a thing or two about the Italian culture and learn to enjoy life as the Italians do. I'm so lucky to have spent my time here and learn more about this wonderful country. So worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Rome is an expensive city, be prepared to spend a little extra cash.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$200 per week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Exposure to a diverse culture
  • Included excursions
  • Super friendly & helpful staff
* What could be improved?
  • Location of apartment (above an incredibly noisy/busy intersection)
  • Apartment upgrades (somewhat old and in need of upgrades)
  • More time with the staff to get to know the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People do speak some English, but not as much as I expected. Just be prepared to learn Italian phrases so you won't get nasty looks from the local people.