Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great experience living in Rome Past Review

By (History And Political Science, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 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 a lot both about Italian culture and about American culture. It really gave me the opportunity to expand my ways of thinking and participate in a different community. It was entirely worthwhile, the people I met in my program and in Rome were for the most part amazing and contributed to my unique experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Offered a variety of classes that truly integrated the experience of studying abroad and living in Rome with the coursework, along with dedicated and knowledgeable professors. My only critique would be a lack of Political Science courses which seemed to not take advantage of the opportunity of discussing European and Italian politics while being in Italy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall, the program was well administered, although there did appear to be some disorganization and incoherence.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For a renovated convent, the housing arrangements aren't terrible, however, the bathrooms and shower stalls could use renovation, as well as greater access to ways to clean our bedrooms.

* Food:

Overall, good and authentic, although the dining hall quickly becomes repetitive and tiring. There was often a problem of receiving food that was either cold or half cooked after rush hours had passed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although staying on campus could create a sense of being in an American ghetto, overall it was easy to access the heart of the city and integrate into Italian life and culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

On campus doctor was inept at truly diagnosing students' illnesses.

* Safety:

Rome is mainly a city of petty theft, so as long as you have your wits about you and are aware of pick-pockets it's easy to stay safe in Rome.

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)

Although Rome is not a very expensive city, by European standards, it was at times difficult to stay on a student's budget while planning trips, paying for activities, and experiencing the culture.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always ask for student discounts at monuments, museums, and other historical sites. Go out to experience the culture, but don't make an expensive dinner downtown regular occurrence multiple times a week.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Easy Access to Rome
  • Sense of Community
  • Relevant and Worthwhile Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Later Hours for the Dining Hall on campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How quickly the semester would pass by, and how inefficient Rome's public transport is.

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!