Greatest Undergrad Experience! Past Review
By Sam J (Political Science and Government, Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 08/21/2013 to 05/08/2014 with
Loyola University Chicago: Rome - John Felice Rome Center
I could write a novel on all that I've gained/learned from my experience abroad. It was the most worthwhile thing I've done throughout my entire undergraduate career.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses are great! I took two on site courses and was able to explore many different parts of Rome. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The most friendly and helpful staff that made this transition from Chicago to Rome very smooth. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The residence hall is great and is as social as you want it to be. |
| * Food: |
The food at the cafeteria (mensa) is |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was there for a year and tutored an Italian student, so I was able to discuss with him all about the Italian culture. The campus is in a residential neighborhood, so there are families around. I think students need to make an effort to really be immersed in the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick and the Rome Center staff accompanied me to the doctor. There is an on-campus doctor, but I needed to see a specialist and they were so helpful in making sure I got the help I needed! |
| * Safety: |
Rome is like any other city. All of the same safety tips apply. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 tutored and worked in the library, but I had also worked the previous 2 summers and saved a lot of money. I ended up traveling to over 18 countries. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | This is tricky to answer because I traveled and that was Friday-Monday. No classes on Fridays at the Rome Center and my first class on Monday was at 2:30pm. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Manage your money wisely! Look for cheap flights and stay in hostels! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Definitely as much as you want or as little as you want. |
| 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? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Tutor someone! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I didn't consider the exchange rate with the euro. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
