The Continent of Europe has given me a confidence I never had before leaving America. Past Review
By Ali M (N/A, Illinois State University) for
Loyola University Chicago: Rome - John Felice Rome Center
Yes. I learned so much about Rome and Europe. I got to see so many places with such great people. I am so much aware of the world's people. The world truly feels like a smaller place to me now. I still want to be a teacher, but I have thought about joining the Peace Corps after college now in order to see more of the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program is a fully functioning university, therefore there are all of the amenities you would expect from a university such as an advisor, a student life coordinator etc. It was easy to get help and all of my expectations were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was very safe. Loyola provided us with all of the essentials such as sheets and pillows. The living setup was ideal for me because I wanted to meet as many people in my program as I could and be close to classes. The dorms are very minimal, but comfortable. However, if one would want to learn the host language, I would not recommend living in a dorm with Americans. |
| * Food: |
Cafeteria food is BAD. There were not a whole lot of healthy options for vegetarians and the quantity of food was limited. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
So much fun! great study trips, great orientation! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Doctor and psychologist on campus twice a week. Very safe neighborhood and secure campus. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | When I was traveling, I spent a lot more money than when I stayed in Rome. I utilized Loyola's cafeteria, which is included in the tuition, therefore I did not have to spend as much on food. On average, including the times I was traveling, I spent about $100 a week on food and personal experiences. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If the Euro is stronger when you go, just think in terms of Euro's. You'll drive yourself crazy if you are always converting back to dollars. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | No prior course |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Since Rome is a big city, most people know at least a little bit of English. I took Italian 101 which was helpful, but it was not a necessity to know the host language, therefore I did not practice too much outside of the classroom. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who is looking for a unique experience. A student who wants to meet Americans from universities across the U.S. should go to the Rome Center. A student who wants to explore Rome and Europe with a quality group of students should go to the Rome Center. |
