Rome: The Perfect Study Abroad Experience Past Review
By Kelsey B (Art, University of Miami) for
John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy
I wish that my time abroad never ended. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I gained so much independence, flexibility, and knowledge about living in an entirely different culture. I plan on visiting Rome at least 6 more times in my life because it is too amazing of a city to let go after a single study abroad experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Amazing school! The work load was challenging but completely do-able. I took all art and art history classes (to go along with my major) and was able to get all of my work done and still had ample time to travel and explore the city. The teachers were very hands-on and interested in my progress. They always helped more with difficulties and helped me to explore new methods of doing things. It was an amazing experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
great |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing situation was a dream. We lived in a gorgeous, high-ceiling apartment in Prati, about a 5-10 minute walk to Castel San'Angelo and the Vatican. We became friends with our doorman and he helped us learn Italian. Our neighborhood was extremely safe. It was mostly families and the more wealthy Italians living in the area. Everything was an easy walk away. There was a market for fresh fruits and veggies only a few blocks away, and the grocery store was a block from our apartment. I studied abroad through the program API (Academic Programs International) and they arranged the housing for us, so when we arrived in Rome they took us to our apartment. It was about a 30 minute walk to class which is nothing for Rome - it's a different kind of city where walking is a norm. I'd walk about 6 miles a day regularly there and loved it whereas in the USA I drive everywhere. Nightlife is easily accessible by walking or taking the metro or bus. We didn't need to buy anything for our apartment - it was perfect. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good. It was Rome, how could it not be?? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Incredible. Everything about Rome is amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe. As long as you are a smart traveler, you will be fine. I was very worried about pick-pocketing or gypsies, but as long as you are aware and not completely stupid then you will have no problem at all. I caught a stomach bug while in Morocco, and my program found me a doctor and set up an appointment for me as soon as I contacted them. I went to an American health clinic, so it was very similar to the care at home. |
| 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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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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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? | This program is perfect for someone looking to completely immerse themselves in a different culture. It is important to get out there and try new things, not be afraid to explore, and to allow yourself to get lost in the city. I learned the most when I just wandered around with no destination. There are so many hidden treasues in Rome, along with all of the well-known treasures. As an art major this was the perfect city for me, but all kinds of people and majors can learn from living in la citta eterna. |
