Get out there -- you only get out of your experience what you put into it. Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Miami University) - abroad from 05/18/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

Loyola University Chicago: Rome - John Felice Rome Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worthwhile. I learned that you can't truly experience a country/culture without a serious commitment to it.

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.

Classes were challenging but not overwhelmingly challenging. Some expectations were set too high for a five week program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Some prior information about living arrangements would have been greatly appreciated and beneficial. I didn't know what to expect.

* Food:

Lunch 4 times a week was all that was provided.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After leaving Rome, I did not feel integrated with the local culture at all. Other than the interaction with my Italian professor, there was little American to Italian interaction.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Poorly. It was easy to access the doctor, but his advice was very poor. I resorted to calling my doctor from back home.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in JFRC.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Lunch Monday-Thursday was the only meal provided. I was paying well over $200 a week on food alone.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Close to $350.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Actually practice.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Students
  • Italian professors
* What could be improved?
  • Dorms
  • Meal plan
  • American-Italian interaction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The living standards and location of JFRC.

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.