Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Extended Roman Holiday Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Providence College) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how the Italian culture lives, and how different it truly is. It was worthwhile both in that I gained knowledge in what Americans do better, while I also gained an appreciation for the things that we have in the United States.

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?

* Food:

I didn't have a meal plan, but the food in the neighborhood, Piazza Borghese, was excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were living in an apartment building with Italian families, but our classes were with all American students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Rome, though not naively. I was aware of not walking alone at night, and pickpocketing. Because we weren't living in a tourist area, there wasn't any worry of pickpocketing around our neighborhood, however, once you reached the Coliseum or the ruins, you had to be careful (especially on the metro!).

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 was a little hard, especially because we traveled every weekend, however, it is completely doable. We made it a point to not eat out during the week in Rome (though we had a favorite restaurant that we went to for a reasonable price). The great thing about Rome was that it really was relatively cheap to eat and live. We took advantage of the amazing foods in the family-owned stores surrounding us, and learned how to cook with fresh Italian ingredients (that were quite cheap).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 - 200 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the markets in your neighborhood... fresh vegetables are extremely cheap and mozzarella is much cheaper than in the United States. Learn to cook the way the Romans do.

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

We were encouraged to speak in Italian, though we didn't speak very much Italian in class.

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? None
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? I would suggest taking some kind of Italian class before you leave. It would allow you to pick up on things faster and learn at a higher degree, and to really take advantage of living in Italy.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Program trips
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Italian class
  • Student apartments closer together
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known to take advantage of every minute there, and that the experience is nothing that I can ever repeat ever again.

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 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.