Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

STRAORDINARIO!!! Past Review

By (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 08/28/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

Loyola University Chicago: Rome - John Felice Rome Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While in Rome, I dove headfirst into many exciting opportunities: interning at an Italian film company, coaching as a co-captain in the JFRC soccer league, writing a travel blog, giving the Student Reflection Speech at the End of Semester Banquet…and travelling throughout Europe!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Loyola’s diverse and accessible study abroad programs compelled me to study abroad at the John Felice Rome Center in Fall 2016.

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? 150 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save the summer before you go, and eat as much as you can in the dining hall. Save money during the week to spend on weekend travel. Spend money on experiences and not trinkets.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? ITAL 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? Make Italian friends, and practice on apps like Duolingo.

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?
  • Interesting classes that let you explore Rome while learning something new
  • Lots of opportunities for travel through organized study trips and three day weekends
  • Group bonding activities through a soccer league and on-campus events
* What could be improved?
  • More support for students of color/LGBT/underrepresented students
  • More electives for art majors
  • More study trips outside of Italy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much money I would spend so I could save more

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 Linguist
You 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!