Amo Roma Past Review

By (Accounting, Carroll University) - abroad from 01/13/2015 to 05/09/2015 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had the most memorable experience abroad. I would not trade it for anything. I absolutely loved Rome, it is the most beautiful city with so much to see and do. After traveling all around Europe, I know that I made the right decision to study in Rome. I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. Most importantly, I have met some of the greatest people that I will remember for the rest of my life. Between the administrators, professors, and peers I felt like I was home. It was so comforting to have so many great people, it made the transition from America to Rome all alone that much easier. I would highly recommend the CEA- Rome program to anyone studying abroad. Im so upset to live this wonderful city and I will greatly miss all of the amazing people Ive met these past few months.

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.

I thought the professors were great, they were very understanding and easy to talk to. I learned so much from them, and they were all very knowledgeable about their courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I loved all of them!! I enjoyed all of our trips with the administrators. They were so much fun! I loved Andrea's selfless :)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Coming in knowing no one I was so fortunate to have the best roommates ever!! They are some of the nicest girls I've ever met, we all get along so well and have a great time together. The apartment itself was awesome. There is so much room and we are the perfect distance from the CEA building. I was concerned about living in one apartment with 7 girls, but it worked out better than I could have ever imagined.

* Food:

I have had the best food Ive ever had. I get supplì everyday its so amazing. There are so many side restaurants and gelaterias to chose from you could get something new everyday. Also, CEA provided the best meals when we went on our excursions. I always looked forward to eating with them.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated. I loved the culture and meeting locals. Whenever I met Italians they would let me practice my italian which was very nice. It was amazing learning so much about their italian ways.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only had a cold twice this semester and it was easy to get cough medicine and cough drops. Luckily, I didn't have anything too much more concerning.

* Safety:

I felt very safe by just following basic rules. I always walked in groups at night, keeping my purse zipped at all times, or even keeping my phone in my purse or front pocket so people didn't have a chance to pick pocket.

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)

I think this really depends on the person. Ive had weeks where I spend under 20 euro and weeks where I decide to go shopping and spend a lot more. It really just depends on personal finances and budgets, but it is definitely doable to come in on a budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 20-30 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book trips in advance to get the best prices on flights and hostels.

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

It is encouraged, but it can be the students choice how much they submerge themselves. We are required to take an italian course, which was very beneficial to learn the basics and how to get around town. I feel like it is just respectful to learn the host country's 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? 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? Try to prepare a little before you come here. And make sure throughout the semester you keep up with homework and practicing every night

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?
  • The people
  • The city
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Longer hours to study at CEA
  • A library or quiet place to study
  • Better wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have been aware of how quickly this semester was going to end. And take full advantage of the time you have here.

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.