An Intense Social and Educational Environment Worth the Trip July 31, 2022

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Centro was an intense educational environment, with early mornings throughout the week dedicated to visiting ancient sites in Rome and the surrounding area. The on-site learning truly separated this program from any other educational experience I have had, bringing each lecture to life in a way that classroom learning cannot replicate. The Centro drastically improved my Roman history knowledge, especially with regard to the mid- to late-Empire. Between the library and the American Academy, students have access to all the Classics resources they could hope for, though it does take some forethought to plan a trip to the American Academy library. Overall, I was very happy with the educational experience and I am now a better ancient historian because of the Centro.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site staff were wonderful and ready to help with any student needs. The dining staff were very friendly and it was an honor to be served by them. The office staff were great and helped everything run smoothly. Franco knew the right people to get stuff done when you needed it most. The only general complaint was laundry, which was paid (many of us thought this should be included in tuition and open to unlimited operation once there), and the upstairs often ran out of drying racks during busy times. Otherwise, the administration was super helpful and made the transition easy for students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The double rooms are very tight, some smaller than the singles, and most have a bunk bed that lacks amenities for the top bunk (any sort of shelf or access to outlets). Sleep is very important when class starts at 8 most weekdays, so the bunk bed setup is not conducive to a full night's rest every time you need it. Each room has its own sink, which is a nice feature, and the bathrooms were newly renovated and had good showers. The common spaces included a lobby on the first floor, the library, and the fourth floor lounge. While these were adequate, it was often difficult or impossible to find private space within the Centro if you lived in a double. The upstairs gym was small but surprisingly useful with a bench, several small machines, and a treadmill.

The Centro provided three meals a day during weekdays and on weekends students were responsible for finding their own food. The dinners were fantastic!! Enjoy all three courses and make an effort to become friends with the staff if you can. The breakfasts and lunches were more standard, but they were still high quality and filling. You will eat well during weekdays, and on the weekends explore Monteverde—there are many small family restaurants just blocks away, as well as grocery stores with cheap options.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We are Classics students and many of us did not speak Italian at all or very well, which prevented us from integration with much of the local culture (this is of course not the program's fault). However, in Monteverde shop owners were extremely friendly and very happy whenever we made an effort to speak Italian, even if it was choppy and very elementary. Go to Quattroventi for aperitivo and say hi to Luca for me!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Covid testing is accessible in Monteverde at local pharmacies.

Rome felt safe, especially the Monteverde area directly surrounding the Centro. One student got mugged which sucked, but, as Sam Lipin said, just stick together with a buddy and you won't have any problems.

I learned so much through our daily visits into Rome and our trips to Pompeii, Paestum, Sperlonga, Alba Fucens, Northern Italy, and so many other places that were full of natural beauty and a rich ancient history. I also made some very good friends, many of whom I have already visited in the US and am excited to have in my life for years to come.

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

Drinks were expensive, food was surprisingly not. Budget for travel; it's worth it to see other parts of Italy, but it can get expensive with trains and housing.

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• Dorm

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The Centro dinners
• Traveling, both with the program and independently
• The parks! Doria Pamphili and Villa Sciarra are great for dogwatching and frisbee

• Rooms - doubles are too small
• Laundry - the paid tokens are a hassle