My Experience With SAI Was Amazing! September 24, 2024
By Madeline M (Speech Language Hearing Sciences, Auburn University) - abroad from 05/26/2024 to 06/26/2024 with
SAI Study Abroad: Rome - John Cabot University (JCU)
Absolutely worth it! As someone who had never been out of the country, I was looking for a program that offered elective credit for my university, the chance to connect with peers my age and build friendships, and the opportunity to visit places on my bucket list. I'm so grateful I chose this program!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Since this was only a 6 week class, there was a lot of information you learn in a short period of time but the professors know summer students are there to travel during the weekends and experience different cultures so they are super understandable with due dates! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Roomed with 3 other girls in an apartment and felt safe all the time! Was not a bad walk to campus and loved being on the local side of Rome |
| * Food: |
Instead of eating out all of the time or cooking at your apartment there is the opportunity to dine at the Universities cafeteria and it definitely did not disappoint! So many options to choose from everyday |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I unfortunately had to spend 2 days in the hospital (1st day public hospital, 2nd day private hospital) and everything was covered by insurance but the best part was that my administrator was with me the first night to help explain to the nurses and doctors my situation and make sure I was admitted and seen for the correct reason. I would suggest going to the private hospitals because more of the healthcare workers speak English and you are able to have a private room for yourself! |
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| 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) |
For me, I personally traveled every weekend and that was where I spent most of my weekly money which was for: flights, Airbnbs, tours, excursions, and restaurants you want to try there! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy flights early! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Make sure to keep a spot in your suitcase empty so you can buy souvenirs from the places you traveled |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
