Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester in Rome Past Review

By (Mathematics, Providence College) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While I was abroad I gained a better understanding of world cultures. I was able to travel so much and experience so many different cultures. I also gained the ability to live on my own and live more independently and away from my family. Going abroad was definitely worth while.

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

* 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:

The city of Rome is a very safe place to be, the only real problem is those who will try to pickpocket you. It's not life threatening, but instead more of an inconvenience.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300

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? Beginner

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Proximity of apartments to school
  • On-site staff
  • Optional excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of excursions
  • Location of school and apartments to the main part of the city
  • Length of time one can stay in the apartments after exams end
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would be as independent as I was. When we first got there the on-site staff did not walk us through much of the city and we were left on our own for the most part to find our way around.It was unexpected.

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.