Classes are much easier than at home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

JCU has very low expectations of its students in most departments. My government class neither followed the syllabus nor expected you to purchase the books. A student who had been there for several semesters said he received a B+ the last semester without ever finishing his final paper. The teacher was often very late for class. The two departments that stand out at JCU are Art History and Business. These two departments have much higher expectations of their students and higher quality teachers. I highly recommend taking Art History here because there are classes taught on site and wonderful teachers. I did not take business, but I heard a lot about the classes from my roommates.

On-site administration of your program

SAI personnel are available all the time via phone and have an office less than a minute's walk from JCU. They can advise on any topic, and are especially helpful when planning short trips to other parts of Italy. They provide also provide you with a cellphone for the duration of the program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

An apartment building on Viale di Trastevere that was about 75% JCU student housing and 25% Italian family housing. There were definitely problems between the landlords and some students who treated the apartment like a frat house, but generally not playing loud music after midnight, not throwing things off balconies, and not inviting non-residents to spend the night is all the landlords require. Generally, students were housed in 6-8 person apartments with single or double rooms. Each had a kitchen and bathroom. The rooms were cold by American standards, so bring extra blankets. Each had a wonderful balcony over the courtyard or the street. Porta Portese is on the street nearby every Sunday. The school is a half hour walk or 15 minute combined tram ride and walk. The tram stops right outside building.

The university meal plan is expensive and does not include dinner or locations near the housing, so I didn't purchase it and neither did any of my roommates. JCU was talking about adding a dining hall while I was there, but I don't know if they did. There is an awesome Kabab (like a wrap) and Pizza place right near the apartment. There is also a questionable Chinese place near the apartment. Near campus, there are WONDERFUL walk away pizza and gelato places. There is a grocery behind the apartment complex, a cheap one to the left of the apartment place, and a third one further away to the right along Viale di Trastevere toward the school. The cheapest and highest quality one is behind the apartment complex.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish I had learned more Italian and spent more time with Italian people. I would highly recommend trying to find an internship or volunteer opportunity. Also, if you frequent the same gelato shop or cafe often, you can practice speaking to the owners.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I know a boy who got in a fight in Florence and had to go to the hospital. SAI and his international health insurance took care of him. Generally, Rome has very little violent crime but plenty of petty theft. I know some girls' purses were cut and a boy's wallet was almost stolen on public transportation. Just being vigilent and keeping your purse in front of you on public transport is usually enough.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The majority of Romans in Rome speak some English, and in touristy areas they are usually very proficient. If they address you in Italian and you respond in heavily accented Italian, they will likely switch to English. Many students in my program took no Italian and simply used hand gestures when necessary. There are plenty of opportunities to speak Italian though, especially when shopping at markets or going out at night.

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• Apartment

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• Americans