Rome: a fantastic city that can only truely be taken in with time Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Grading system is completely unknown...you don't know what you have until the last day after finals. One of my teachers didn't know fluent english so I have a hard time believing our papers will be actually graded. Workload is very minimum, allows for travel time. Courses are fun in material so take only what looks interesting to you.

On-site administration of your program

They are very supportive but lack the ability to resolve issues quickly. Apartment problems are dragged out and the budget-conscious attitude doesn't help much either. The program size is very small which is good if you want to know the staff on a more personal level, but bad in terms of having a larger budget for excursions. I had higher expectations for the level of professionalism of the on site staff.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing was set up by CEA and we have had so many problems with the neighbors in the apartment and the apartment itself we should have been switched to an alternate living space 3 months ago. The internet cannot hold the number of users in our apartment, there is one bathroom for 8 people, the cleaning personnel that we were told was provided was canceled without notice, there is mold in the washing machine and walls of bathroom and kitchen, the dishwasher does not work, the stove is manually sparked each use, the only-italian speaking neighbors harassed us in the mornings and nights, and CEA only scratched the surface of these issues.

Food markets are unbelievable here, totally satisfied with the grocery stores and markets in the area. There are also SO many restaurants within walking distance.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The dinners in other cities were a nice bonding experience for the CEA students. But, again, very low budget. All travel is by bus and takes up the majority of the time outside of Rome.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The safety in Rome is what you make of it for yourself. Don't be stupid and locals will not harass or mess with you. For women, ignorance is the lesson learned here. You will not be able to hear a mans voice by the end of the program because you will be so used to ignoring it on the street. Men, don't come here if you are just trying to meet Italian women because they do not want to meet you. The only women interactions you will have is within the program to other American students. There are policemen throughout the city but bring red pepper spray with you abroad because you can't control who is around you at all times. Keep to yourself on public transportation and on the streets, it is not safe with older men and gypsies either

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

We practiced within our apartment, but a handheld translation book is recommended. Most people speak english around the city but it is rude if you expect them to. It is hard to keep up with the italian language if you are frequently traveling so keep a phrase book with you at all times.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Other