Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Non basta una vita Past Review

By (Economics., Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 04/26/2013 with

Loyola University Chicago: Rome - John Felice Rome Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself. Who I am, the culture I come from, and who I can be. I gained confidence and became more worldly.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall I'd say that I had a good academic experience, but not without hiccups. Besides the history/classics courses, I'd say there is definitely a difference in caliber in the Chicago campuses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is great. Cyndi, Michael, and Susana especially are top notch. The SLAs have some flaws, but overall that is good, too.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived on campus first semester and in the Zone Hotel second semester. The Zone was much nicer, but it was not worth being so separate from campus.

* Food:

The Mensa ladies are nice, but you can't help but get sick of the same food day after day. That, and there were some cases of food poisoning.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

First semester I was not integrated at all. Second semester my internship helped me, and there was a snow ball effect, but if I wouldn't have had my internship I would not have ever met Italian friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have a false alarm health scare, and the SLAs were readily available to help.

* Safety:

Besides theft, it was safe. Much safer than Chicago.

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)

It's not easy, but I did live on a tight budget. The very expensive study trips make it feel near impossible to have the whole experience without a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Without travel, $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out too often.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

In words it was encouraged, in practice it was very easy to never speak Italian.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 101
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Build up confidence before you get here. 4 semesters does nothing if you're afraid to use it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The community
  • The balance of freedom and support
  • Rome!
* What could be improved?
  • Interaction with college aged Italians.
  • Bridge the gap between the Zone and campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm not sure.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!