Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Unique Experience for Classicists Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/29/2019 to 12/15/2019 with

ICCS / Centro: Rome - The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I understand ancient Rome so much better now. I never had context for the texts I was reading before, but now I have started to explore material culture and contextualize history with the things I've seen.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were hard, but still not quite as much work as Wellesley, so I had time to explore my environment. To be able to learn on site was such a unique experience that made me feel like I was getting the most of my time in Rome. At times the grading seemed a bit unnecessarily harsh though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was really lucky to have housing and food taken care of by the program, so I wasn't struggling to find it on my own. The people in administration were incredible, kind and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room was small and we were all very close together, but it was comfortable and good to spend time with everyone. I loved not having to go far to get to class.

* Food:

Food was incredible. I never got sick of the food served in the dining room and I really miss it now that I'm back.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is not really the program to go to in you want experience with Italian or Roman culture. While we did get to spend a lot of time on ancient sites, we didn't spend much time getting to know modern Rome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never got sick, but for people who did the professors were not very accommodating in terms of assignments and it wasn't easy to get to the doctor via public transport.

* Safety:

I felt very safe when out with class or other people. The only issue were drivers, who did not seem to care much for safety.

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

This is a program like no other, with so many opportunities to explore 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)

Because food was provided except on weekends and public transportation was also covered, it was pretty easy to stay on budget, but Rome was still an expensive city to live in, so on days we did go out to eat it was more pricey.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go out to eat with friends so you can split food and then split the bill

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • See so many things
  • Meet students with similar interests
  • Incredible food
* What could be improved?
  • Professors expect a lot
  • Not great integration into modern Italian culture
  • A bit exhausting
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to walk A LOT

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!