Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

When in Rome... July 18, 2025

By (Economics, Classics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/28/2025 to 05/09/2025 with

CIEE: Semester in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about responsibility, the importance of planning, prioritizing myself, and knowing how to balance school, fun, and rest.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

I stayed in a homestay and had the most wonderful experience!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't run into any healthcare issues but the program had a lot of resources

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I felt that CIEE gave me the opportunity to explore more of the world while also giving me and immersive experience when it came to learning about Ancient Rome.

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 Rome is very cheap compared to many American cities so if you budget wisely, it can be relatively affordable. However, if you choose to travel, expenses will build quickly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? If I travelled out of Italy, then anywhere from $200-$400, if not, then <$30

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Host family experience (cultural immersion)
  • Location of building
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • More course selections
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I spent less time worrying about the future and more time enjoying the present.

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.