Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable, wish I could do it all over again and for longer time. Past Review

By (Biology, General., Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 05/20/2013 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?
An understanding of a different culture and an increased appreciation for the American culture.

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.

The classes were definitely on the easier side which was nice because I although I was still able to learn, I wasn't so consumed with school work which allowed me to truly experience the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought the staff could have been much friendlier. They were often rude. I do understand that we are in a foreign country but they were very strict considering we are all adults and college students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms could be updated and the internet reception was AWFUL in the rooms. However, the good thing was we were luckily not in our rooms very often.

* Food:

The food was excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unfortunately the location of campus limits this, but both of my classes (Italian 102 and LTR269 did a great job of integrating us).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I felt very safe. Coming from a small town in Iowa, going to school in Chicago has prepared me to be aware of my surroundings and not to fear the world.

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)

I was extremely cautious of money use so I lived on the cheaper side of things. It is possible to blow through money but it is also easy to be conservative.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I honestly can't remember.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Things like wine and gelato every day really add up fast. Being able to limit those will save you a lot of money.

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

I took Italian 101 in the spring before I went in the summer and then took Italian 102 while I was in Rome and I would really really suggest that to people considering studying abroad.

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? Italian 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? Take classes at your university before traveling to that country.

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?
  • Students from other US colleges
  • Italy is historic and beautiful
  • The Italian culture
* What could be improved?
  • The dorms
  • The internet connection in dorm rooms
  • The friendliness of the staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You use cash A LOT. Credit cards are not as convenient as they are in the US. You can do laundry- you don't need to pack as much as you think. I wish I would have researched things I wanted to do more- I did have some ideas but I could have done a better job.

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.