One of the best life decisions I made was to study abroad with SAI in Rome, Italy Past Review
By Rebekah J (Communication Studies & Management, Gustavus Adolphus College) for
John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy
During this time frame, you learn the most about yourself; you grow as an individual and see many things in a more mature way.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
American University system is much more difficult than the one that I experienced in Europe; many students who have traveled and studied abroad have said the same thing. Schools overseas are not point blank "easy" but they are "easier" than in the U.S. My opinion may be biased because I went to a private college with strong academics so not all may see the schools overseas the way that I did. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Countries other than the U.S. are less efficient so things take longer to accomplish, are frustrating because almost everything takes longer and isn't clear. This is not a reflection of this university alone; this is how majority of things are done in Europe. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We had the best apartment that was literally .5 mile walk to the Vatican. Amazing. The Study Abroad Advisors (Study Abroad Italy) in Rome were INCREDIBLE. |
| * Food: |
Go to a variety of local restaurants and try a variety of things. You'll never get the option to do so again. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Both my host institution and the study abroad program (SAI) hosted events and outings to go on if you wanted to be exposed to more of what the country had to offer. Going on both was an incredible experience and I suggest taking advantage of all that is offered to you. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe overall. There were times where I was uneasy but you can experience that in the U.S. as well. Always make sure you are with friends and people you know when you go out. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We were able to take classes in Italian and immerse in the language with locals but we didn't have it integrated in the classes/school. |
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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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? | SAI was incredible to go through. Be open to all your experiences. Although studying abroad is a time when you learn so much, it is a time frame when you learn a lot about yourself. |
