Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Essence of Rome Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., 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?
Living in Rome for four months is a chapter in my life that I won't ever forget! I enjoyed being able to experience the culture and people first hand: the best art and food truly do live here. If you are looking to do a lot of traveling, Rome is a great place to be! The FCO airport is an international center and it is easy to find fairly affordable flights.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

Housing accommodations exceeded my expectations. The apartments were very great quality and close to the school.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Language barrier made community integration difficult.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Pickpocketing is common on subways and busses.

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? $100 not including extra travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead and budget your money in the currency that your host country uses.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Non
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? Learn the essentials beforehand.

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?
  • Living in Rome!
  • Traveling Europe!
  • Lasting memories with other students
* What could be improved?
  • Cultural Integration
  • Language Classes
  • Planned weekend trips were sometimes cancelled due to low participation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had learned more Italian!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!