If life is beautiful, Italy is heaven. Past Review
By lavitaebella (Economics., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 04/27/2014 with
Temple University International Programs: Rome - Temple University in Rome
Of course it was worthwhile! My independence is definitely stronger and I'm more likely to take risks. Italy WILL make you fall in love with it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Program has no food options, but Italy has amazing food! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
What I learned about the culture, I mostly learned in class. I liked that the neighborhood we lived in was away from tourists though... so in that way I felt integrated into the community. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
not applicable to me |
| * Safety: |
Petty crime is common, but not dangerous. Sexual harassment is also a problem, so stick in groups and pay attention to your instincts. |
| 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) |
Most people on the program travel on the weekends. So food+travel is easily $200+ a week. If you don't plan on leaving Rome often, a student's budget can be managed. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
They had activities and meet ups with locals maybe once a month, but you have to go out looking for locals if you really want to practice. Most people on the program are taking their first Italian class there. |
| 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 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Go out and talk to people! Don't be afraid to mess up because the people that learn the fastest are the ones that aren't embarrassed. (I'm one of the embarrassed ones) |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Researching multiple options is extremely important |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
