Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unreal Overseas Adventure Past Review

By (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 05/18/2013 to 06/20/2013 with

Loyola University Chicago: Rome - John Felice Rome Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Confidence to travel by myself, flexibility to be able to go with the flow, I learned a ton of European history. The whole trip was extremely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The cafeteria food wasn't amazing, and Rinaldo's was decent, but there is good food everywhere in Rome and the grocery stores have good snacks for cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After the first few weeks, I felt like a native with the exception that I didn't speak Italian, which wasn't a huge problem anyways.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was easily able to get medicine when I wasn't feeling well.

* Safety:

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)

"When in Rome" is what I always say! It's hard not to spend money when you go out at night or when you're shopping because it's not every day that you get to experience Rome.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $200 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I traveled a lot on the weekends, and an obvious tip is DON'T MISS YOUR TRAIN! Double check the date, time, and train station of your trip because purchasing a make-up ticket can get pretty expensive and when buying train tickets, there are no refunds allowed ever unless you opt in for the extra insurance.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling on the weekends
  • Going all over Rome
  • A few free day trips included
* What could be improved?
  • Days trips could be more interesting
  • More open field space at campus
  • More variety of food at cafeteria
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was going to spend way more money than what I had originally planned on.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Roman Catholicism
Course Department: Theology
Instructor: Ted Bohr
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was very reflective which I took a lot from, and we had several classes touring the many cathedrals of Rome.
Credit Transfer Issues: