An Incredible Experience in the Eternal City Past Review
By Jacquelyn W (Plan II & International Relations, The University of Texas at Austin) for
Rome Institute of Liberal Arts: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I have a much deeper appreciation for the ancient history of Western Civilization and how relevant it is to society today. I also value discussion-based classes and open dialogue which I wish were incorporated more into my home institution's style of teaching. I have had small classes like this with Plan II, but this program is especially intimate with only eight students and two tutors. I was nervous at first but soon came to realize that it is a safe environment where everyone’s opinions and the unique way in which we think and interpret text is valued and considered. This program has really sparked my interest in theology, biblical history, religious literature, and Christian philosophy.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Rome Institute of Liberal Arts models the teaching method of St. John's College. Started by an American professor, RILA has small discussion-based classes. The assigned reading was intensive but very enjoyable. Do this program if you enjoy intimate discussion groups and heavy reading. We wrote three papers over the course of six weeks, and our final grade is determined by participation and papers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Since RILA was such a small program, we had easy access to the professors for support services. It was a very casual and laid-back program with flexible structure. This summer RILA had eight students and two professors, a really great ratio! I enjoyed the intimacy of the group. For example, we had our first class in our professor's garden, and several times throughout the program we were invited over for dinner. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved our apartment's neighborhood in Trastevere, but four girls in a one-bedroom apartment was cramped. The tiny kitchen was also difficult to cook in without an oven or microwave. However, I would happily live there again for the safety and beauty of the area. Proximity to class was perfect. It was nice to walk 20min and see the city on the way. We only had to buy food and soap. Towels, sheets, and cookware was provided. |
| * Food: |
Italy's food is great! A few restaurant's in Rome to check out: Da Lucia, Bruno's, Cul-de-Sac, and Da Agosto. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In the afternoons, we toured major sites around the city, and during the weekend, we traveled to Florence and Siena as a group. The program also arranged a tour of the Vatican without the line which is incredible. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only thing to watch out for in Rome in petty theft like pickpocketing. Obviously be careful late at night, especially at bus stations and train stations but I always felt very safe in the city. Also, the professors of RILA really do everything they can to accommodate the students. One professor hunted down a pharmacy to supply me with medicine when I was sick. Also, every pharmacy in Italy has a doctor, so it's very convenient to go directly to a pharmacy for health-related issues. |
| 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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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? | Definitely do the assigned reading before the program. And then again during the program. You will be much more prepared for discussion, and it will increase the quality of conversation. Students who enjoy literature, art, philosophy, and history would LOVE this program. |
