Studying Abroad in Rome was the best decision ever! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought the workload was pretty fair, I never remember feeling overwhelmed with the work, unless it was because of my own procrastination. The school is majority study abroad students and so I think many professors take that into account, that students are there to learn but also receive a cultural experience as well. Grading system was different but many universities use a different system, for me I only received pass or fail grades for my transcript because I used a program outside of my university, but for others they received A's, B's etc.

On-site administration of your program

Our program directors were always available, either by their office hours or by cell phone and email. Each one of them were very nice and helpful and are willing to do anything they can to help make your experience an enjoyable one. I am still in contact with some of them and I felt they did a great job helping the students adjust to a foreign life.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed my housing arrangement because I made life long friends. For speaking italian it wasn't helpful but some of us had the same italian class so we were able to practice together and that was nice. We also made italian friends which was fun and made our experience even better. Our apartment was in walking distance to the school and was set up from our program, it was very spacious and I know each one of my roommates loved it. We could get to the center where the fun nightlife was in about 15 minutes with a bus, or walk for 30 minutes. The apartment included everything from towels, to sheets and had a washing machine, but no dryer or dishwasher, this is common in Italy though.

Food was wonderful!!! The program also offered a cooking class where we learned a lasagna popular in Rome, I still make it today for my friends and family.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were here for Notte Bianca, a festival where the city doesn't sleep for 24 hours, everything is open, the museums and bars and shops all night and entertainment and shows are set up in the piazzas. Our program also arranged 2 overnight trips to Sorrento/Capri/Pompeii and then to Florence and a selected Tuscany town. All so beautiful! Then day trips were also planned to Assisi and other small towns.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We never felt as if we were in danger when walking around the city, although it is always important to pay close attention to pockets and purses because they do have pick pocketers here. There are also english speaking doctors if anyone needed anything, and our directors could help you set up an appointment and go with you in case you needed assistance.

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

We were required to take italian languages classes which were very helpful. It is one thing to learn the language but is even better when you are in the country and can put it to use. They also offered exchanges where you can meet an italian once a week so you can practice italian and they can practice english. I found it very helpful for improving conversational skills. In the city center of course they can speak basic english but in the outside neighborhoods and even in many cafe's english is not commonly known, so having basic knowledge of the language is very important and useful.

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• Americans