Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

When in Rome: A Dream Semester Past Review

By (History, Saint Norbert College) - abroad from 01/12/2016 to 05/07/2016 with

SAI Study Abroad: Rome - John Cabot University (JCU)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned so much abroad. I have experienced the Italian culture, while learning the language. I have grown so much as a person, living on my own without any family nearby. I have had so many travel experiences, which have encouraged the most growth. It has been such a worthwhile experience and I would gladly study abroad again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

Rome is not an unsafe city, but that being said make sure to watch your bag for pickpockets. Also, remember to be safe and don't walk alone at night, I've never felt unsafe, but I always remain aware and try to keep myself in safe situations.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would choose to come to Rome again, but I do not like John Cabot University as a school. I feel like I am not learning enough in my classes (and I am taking major classes abroad). I also feel like you do not get to know local students. Many professors seems to dislike Americans and have made me feel singled out in class. Although I love Rome and SAI, I would not choose the same school again.

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)

If you plan out a budget it is not difficult to live simply here. Buying groceries and not eating out too much really helped me survive on my rather small student budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to make a budget. It really really helps. Also, I would recommend logging what you spend your money on. Get receipts or mark how much you spent on a note in your phone, that way you get an idea of what you buy the most and how much you are spending, doing that really helped me stick to my budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No italian prior to coming to Rome

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Jess and Jordan --They are awesome
  • My roommates, I got pretty lucky.
  • All of the food and excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More mingling with the program in the beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Meeting people is harder than you think. I found if you don't click with people right away it is difficult to make friends, so really put yourself out there. I also wish I had known more Italian when coming abroad, even knowing the basics like how to order food and ask for directions would have been a lifesaver at first.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.