Too short. Past Review

By Kathleen S (University of Notre Dame) - 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?

It wasn't until the last week that I felt like I really fit in with the Italian life. I met some italians and began to feel more comfortable speaking the language. It was the best summer of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The teachers were amazing. Even for a few weeks there they really tried to get to know us and help us understand the material.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The basics which during the summer is all you really need. It was a little outside of the city but it was a really nice neighborhood.
* Food:	We were only given lunch but it was actually really good.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It really wasn't until the last week or so that I felt like a true Italian. 5 weeks is too short, but the people at JFRC really tried to make the most of those 5 weeks.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never felt unsafe there especially around campus.
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	A lot
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Don't waste your money on little trinkets. The food in Rome is really what you should be spending money on. You'll have the pictures and memories to remember your trip by.

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?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The people I met The Italian culture The people at JFRC
* What could be improved?	Have a kitchen for people to cook
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Spend as much time in the beginning doing stuff and seeing the city. As you get towards the end you feel rushed and feel like you haven't seen anything.