The best semester of college I have had or will ever have. Past Review
By A student (Mathematics, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 04/27/2013 with
Temple University International Programs: Rome - Temple University in Rome
I learned different aspects of different cultures and I learned to appreciate some while also recognizing how great America is. I took away things for what they were and not how they compared to the United States. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
It was great food, maybe not too diverse but it was Rome so it was generally awesome. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program was filled with all American students who did not know much of the native language. I was probably one of the top ten in speaking Italian and I did not feel I integrated outside of going to the markets. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Watch out for pickpockets and scams. |
| 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) |
My tuition bill was low but the weekly budget was fairly high. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Anywhere from 100 to 500 Euro usually including travel on the weekends. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save a lot so you can do everything you want and not have regrets at the end of your trip. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A three thousand level course fulfilling an advanced literature requirement called Italian Renaissance Literature. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Practice before departure even if you are off from school. Pronunciation is the most important when you arrive. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | How the students in my program were so cheap when it came to food, travel, or fun, but were more than willing to spend money on wine and beer every night. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
