Past Review
By Caroline M (Spanish Language and Literature., Samford University) for
Samford University: Rome—University Fellows
Definitely worthwhile! I loved it. I got to see so much history! Rome is an amazing city! I would go back again if I could!
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was wonderful. It was the perfect compliment to two semesters of studying WIT, although I do think it will work even better after three. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Wasn't the administration of the program done by Samford? So does this question really apply? |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Hotel <br /><br /> I really liked the way housing was done. |
| * Food: |
No comment really. I ate cheaply, but it was pretty good. I did get a little tired of paninis at some points. :) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a lot of fun. Make sure to travel to different places on your free time. For example, several different groups went to the catacombs and I think, except for those who are claustrophobic, it proved to be really interesting. Wander the city some (but try not to get lost!). Find different piazzas that you wouldn't see otherwise. Go to the baths of Diocletian and other such places you don't get to go to as a group. Make the most of your time their, but don't push yourself so hard you are exhausted and not enjoying it. And eat lots of gelato! Giolitti's is the best! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overseas student health insurance was available and even encouraged. Obviously there are risks anywhere, but be smart and you should be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Oh gosh. I wish I remembered! I spent some 3 euros on gelato a day, but that is about all I remember. If you want to go to Sorrento (which is amazing!) for your travel weekend, we found amazing prices and probably still have the information somewhere if you want it. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Remember that you will want to buy some souvenirs. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I loved it. Go for it. Make sure you have enough money, but there really is no reason to spend tons. Enjoy it. Don't focus on being homesick or missing American food and so on. Be smart in where you go, who you go with, what you do, etc. If you haven't traveled that much before, talk to some people who have for tips. |
