Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (COMS, Samford University) for

Samford University: Rome—University Fellows

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was; I enjoyed learning and it cultivated a desire to study abroad more in the future.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a good supplement to the classes we've taken.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Competent, allowed us space and freedom, well-organized trip, great opportunities

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotels <br /><br /> Small, but good

* Food:

Food was hit or miss

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Had lots of free time to spend with other students and took a weekend trip to Florence and Venice

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No problems

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 250 Euros; brought my own protein bars from the states so I only had to purchase one meal a day; make use of grocery stores
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? give yourself a daily allowance with a little bit for incidentals--plan your purchasing

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

Was not a language-oriented program

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make sure you plan out your weekend trip ahead of time.