Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wine, Travel, Minimal Studying Past Review

By (Biology, General., Providence College) - abroad from 08/26/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The information attained about various cultures is irreplaceable.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very affable and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A very large apartment in a great area.

* Food:

Nothing needs to be said here, although I was craving mexican food and some hot wings by the end of the semester.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are thrown into the everyday life of an Italian. This includes speaking the language, saying hello to all the regulars on your way to class, working the public transportation system, etc.

* 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)

It is very difficult to manage your money while abroad. Why not splurge? You're abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10,000.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Let your parents keep track of your money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Placement Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Always engage in conversations with local people. If you're shy then you will not learn any of the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Traveling
  • Making new friends
  • Apartment Monopoly games
* What could be improved?
  • Class attendance policy is too strict
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive living in Europe can be.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.