And In That Moment I Swear I was Infinite: Study Abroad in Rome Past Review
By Ariana C (Communication and Media Studies., University of the Pacific) for
John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy
The study abroad experience has changed my life so profoundly. I gained a confidence I didn't have before that comes only from knowing that you can go out into the world and not only survive it, but have an amazing time in it! It made me more confident to meet people, and more confident that I could make things happen for myself. I think it also opened up my eyes to other lifestyles and other ways of living and made me more open-minded and patient (Italians lifestyle is much slower than ours.) Also, before I studied abroad I was afraid of graduating because I didn't know what the world had to offer. I always thought that as soon as I graduated I would have to find a job and settle down. Now I know this isn't true. I know that the world has so much to offer and there's so much to see. I also realized I wasn't ready to settle down. Now, even though I don't have a plan, I am ecstatic to graduate because I can do what I really want! Travel! I also feel like I know myself better. There's something about living in another country that really makes you come to terms with yourself and sticks with you forever after that. I really cannot stress enough the importance of studying abroad and the incredible insights that come with it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There wasn't much of a difference in the grading or educational system because it was an American school so the grading system was the same. The work load was pretty light, which was nice because it allowed me to enjoy Rome and to travel, which I think is of major importance while studying abroad. The only things that differed, however, was how the classes were taught. They were more hands on and laid back. For example, we went to a wine tasting for my Italian class and my final for my poetry class was a poetry reading in a bar. So those differences were pretty awesome :) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I didn't really have a program. I enrolled directly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was amazing! It was right in the center of Rome (right behind the pantheon!) so it was right in the center of all the nightlife and all the clubs and bars were in walking distance, as well as the school. There were some issues with the hot water and the internet but they were always resolved, and if the internet went out for too long we could always go to the pub down the street where they had free wifi and if the hot water was out for too long, the landlady let us use her shower (all 6 of us!) so it really was very accommodating. Also, the apartment came with everything necessary for cooking, we did not need to buy anything, although the oven and stove were a little old and sketchy. |
| * Food: |
Italy is not the place to find dietary accommodations. The only thing I think that would be easy to get away with would be vegetarianism. Other than that, the food is spectacular! Anywhere in Trastevere (where John Cabot is located) is generally going to be good, and since it's near the school, many places give student discounts. There were some really good panini places there but I can't remember their names. However, I do remember Cafe Molva, which gave free cappuccinos to John Cabot students, and Carlo Menta, which had amazing food for REALLY cheap prices. Also, Cafe Pina had the best chocolate croissants as well as amazing food in general. They had really good cake and every day they made a new dish that people would flock to because it was so good and it usually cost about 5 euro. Not bad. The best pizza was pizza florida in piazza argentina and the best gelato was at a place called old bridge which was near the vatican. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were many options to travel with programs through the school all over Italy or to other European countries or even to Morocco. I, however, did not go on any of these and instead planned my own trips with friends so I can't comment on the quality of the trips. However, at the beginning of the semester, there were plenty of free or very cheap guided trips around Rome to get students acquainted with the area. Other than that, Rome is an amazing place to be and to sight see. The night life is fantastic, clubs stay open til 4am. Also, Rome is basically an outdoor museum because there's so much history and you're walking in it every day. Many ancient sites are not even blocked off. You can even drink on the steps of the Pantheon or on the ledge of a pre-Christian era temple if you are so inclined. Other places such as the Roman Forum and Palentine Hill (which were my favorite sites) as well as the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museum, the Capuchin Crypt, the Colloseum, etc etc there's too many to name, all are available to see but they usually cost money. However, Rome offers days when all those sites are free of charge. There's enough of these days that I got to go to all of these places for free. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Before I left I was warned that Rome was a dangerous city but I did not have that experience at all. I never experienced any crime and people were generally pleasant. One thing I was warned about was gypsies stealing things but I never saw that either. The only gypsies I ever encountered looked more like regular homeless people than what you would think of as a gypsy and they usually just sat in one place all day, so they never tried stealing anything. There are also a lot of Bangladeshis whom I thought were gypsies but were not. They don't steal either, they just try to sell you cheap things constantly which can get rather irritating. I myself never had to go to the doctor or deal with any health issues. When I got a cold, or when I got the flu I just went to the local pharmacy and bought medicine. I did not have to get any vaccinations before I left. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I tried to live as cheaply as possible. I honestly think it's possible to live off of about 50 euro a week or even less depending on how cheaply you want to eat. Groceries are not too expensive and if you don't mind gaining a few extra pounds, eating out can be very cheap if you eat things like croissants and pizza, paninis, and suppli, which made up the bulk of my diet. If you want to eat better but still eat cheaply, salad materials are cheap and delicious. Italians don't have salad dressing so for salads you would buy olive oil and vinegar which is even healthier! I also bought lots of veggies and fruits as well as canned vegetable soups which weren't too expensive. However, you will end up spending more money if you want to go out because drinks are very expensive at bars and clubs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you plan on going out, it is important to know that drinks are very expensive at bars and clubs. Some clubs even have entry fees but most of them are free on certain nights out of the week. If you want to save money, find out which days those are and buy alcohol at the grocery store before you go out so you don't have to spend money on expensive drinks when you're out. Also, cabs will always try to charge you more than you owe so keep that in mind. If you want a cappuccino, get one at a cafe, never at a restaurant because they're ridiculously priced at restaurants. When traveling, it saves money if you sleep in airports or on buses while you travel. It's not the most comfortable but it can save you a bundle. If you do end up sleeping in an airport during a cold season, make sure you bring something you can bundle up in because airports get FREEZING at night. The best airline to travel with is Ryan Air because they have crazy low rates. I got a ticket to London for 22 euro! Also, keep in mind that you will have to buy books and that your host university may want you to apply for a permit to stay, which costs about 100 euro. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I didn't take one prior to my departure |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English, especially people that worked in restaurants or hospitality. Also, the University I attended was American so all the classes were taught in English, most of my classmates were American and my roommates were American too, so I mostly hung out with Americans and did not get a lot of chances to speak Italian. However, I did learn some because I took an Italian course with a professor who refused to speak English in class and I got to practice when ordering food and when I met people when I was out and about. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say that someone who loves to eat, loves good company, loves to party but also enjoys culture and history would benefit from this program. Basically, any multi-faceted person would enjoy it. The advise I would give these people is firstly, enjoy the food! Food is what Italian culture revolves around. Also, get a nice bottle of wine at least once and enjoy that. Italians make the best wine! But also, don't be ashamed to buy cheap box wine and drink it on the Spanish steps! That is definitely an experience you won't forget. Also, make good friends and travel with them, and do spontaneous things in your travels! Most of the fine I had abroad was when I didn't have a plan. But most iomprtantly, make sure that when you walk the streets of Rome, remind yourself EVERY DAY of where you are. Look at the cobbles stones, look at the ancient ruins, look at the elegantly dressed people, and the gypsies and the hobos. Take it all in and remind yourself that you are living in Rome because when you get back it will all seem like a dream. |
