Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved this program! Past Review

By (University of Missouri - Columbia) - abroad from 05/16/2017 to 08/04/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, traveling experience, and an open mindedness about other cultures. It was absolutely worth my while, and I would go back in a heartbeat.

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

Very sweet and helpful staff at John Cabot.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an awesome apartment in Rome that was set up through SAI. I felt immersed in the Roman culture and everyday life.

* Food:

Cafeteria food at John Cabot was very good. There was a meal plan included for the cafeteria, which had plenty of choices with pretty good quality food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, except with the language. Rome has a lot of tourism, so most Italians I communicated with would speak english to me once they realized I spoke english. I would have liked to practice my language skills more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The part of Rome I lived in and the university was, Trastevere, made me feel very safe.

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

I would want to explore a new part of the world. SAI was amazing and I would go through them again, but in a different part of Italy, perhaps where they speak less english.

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)

I did a lot of extra traveling so I did not stay in the student's budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? with traveling, probably at least 300 euros per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay in hostels, take cheap flights, but plan ahead.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The country
  • The excursions
  • the school
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel like I was well informed and ready to be abroad. Maybe I wish I knew that at the grocery stores, you need to put a produce sticker on the fruits and vegetables before checking out.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.