One of the best times of my life! Past Review
By Veronika A (Marketing., Providence College) - abroad from 01/07/2014 to 04/24/2014 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy
I learned a lot about myself. I met so many people and created deep friendships with certain people. I became even more independent than I was. I also learned to appreciate other cultures more.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The amount of intensity was just enough. The courses had sufficient amount of work. I learned a lot but did not ever feel that I had a heavy work load. The whole staff and campus were extremely resourceful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff all spoke english. If I needed anything they immediately helped me. Having a helpful staff on site helped with the prevention of cultural shock. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a beautiful apartment that was submerged in the city. This allowed me to indulge in the italian culture. |
| * Food: |
The food in Rome speaks for itself. Delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I definately could have felt more in tune with the culture. The reason why I say this is it was not necessary for me to speak Italian in most circumstances. This helped me feel more comfortable with myself and where I was living but it prevented me from being totally in tune with the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
If someone had a health issue they were advised to see a local pharmacist, whom are actually all doctors. They all speak english so if you need anything this came in handy. |
| * Safety: |
BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETTERS! Don't be afraid to study abroad but always make sure to have your belongs with you and secure them tightly. Never walk alone and if you don't feel safe immediately call your school's emergency line, as they can speak the host language with the real emergency contacts. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Food wasn't too expensive. But traveling was costly. I would say $400. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out all the time. Try to cook meals at home as they are cheaper. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 got an app called duolingo for the iphone. It gave me a basic knowledge of the italian language, that way I wasn't too overwhelmed with learning the language in Rome. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There wasn't any tricks or anything that I found out after my program. I just wish I met even more people because I am so thankful to have made such good friends from the program. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
