Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

John Cabot Allowed me to have an Education & meet new people Past Review

By (Photography, Grand Valley State University) for

John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experienced abroad has changed my interests to think on a global scale for my photography business and think bigger. A lot of the friendships I've made overseas I consider close friends. I travel even more for my photography business to NYC, Chicago, and LA. I was even able to travel back to Rome, Italy in Oct 2010 for a few weeks to photograph personal work. In general, traveling has impacted my cultural awareness in a positive way by paying close attention to body language and understanding how one feels even if there's a language barrier. As result now I am taking private Italian lessons and re-engaging in Spanish to allow myself to communicate easier to individuals/groups who cannot speak english.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

John Cabot was very much like the courses I was enrolled in at Grand Valley State University. All of the courses were taught in english and had small class sizes which allowed me to easily interact with other students. The workload was just the right amount. Most of my classmates were able to succeed in all of our classes while receiving a high quality education from different professors with world experiences and still enjoying the Eternal City and its' historical significance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

NA

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Linens, cookware, and furniture were all provided at the apartment me and my four roommates stayed at with more than enough room to be comfortable with. There was a grocery store nearby to purchase food and bars to grab a cappuccino on the way to class. I felt very safe living where I was located, but other students and I always traveled with another person - never alone.

* Food:

Anywhere in Trastevere you will be able to find great food-especially the pizza. I would highly recommend traveling to Piazza Navona and ordering the Tartufo from Bar Tre Scalini.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So many attractions in Rome. You have the Vatican, the Pantheon, The Spanish Steps, fountains gallore, and the Colosseum to name a few. John Cabot the first week before classes began had a group sign up for a tour guide to show us around the city and provide historical information at the sites. Some classes also offered a more in depth guide on the city which my friends enrolled in and were more than happy to share information. There were also trips to Sperlonga beach, Cinque Terre. A group of us also decided for a weekend travel to Venice & Florence which was great also.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Before I departed from Michigan, my university made me well aware of the general health issues before traveling abroad and what to be aware of when I landed. I did need a few shots before I went but that was mostly vaccines I needed to be up-to-date on anyways. I never felt in danger as I was always with 1 or more persons from the program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes, educators, being placed in a major historical city
* What could be improved?
  • More awareness of the program!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open minded or at least travel knowing that you will be in a very popular yet unfamiliar place to you. If you're the type of person who has to have every minute planned, Italy will fight against you. Do great work in your classes, but don't forget to enjoy the sweet life, la dolce vita, too.