Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was the experience of a lifetime! Past Review

By (Temple University) - abroad from 01/10/2017 to 04/29/2017 with

Temple University International Programs: Rome - Temple University in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is a very big place with very different views on everything. I met people from South America, Australia,Southeast Asia, and honestly everywhere. I gained a new perspective on life and how cultures differ. I think it was worthwhile and I think everyone should experience it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a hip problem while there and the Temple Rome staff called and made an appointment for me with an English speaking doctor. They also provided me with detailed directions on how to get to the doctor office.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Since I am a Temple student and many of the other people that do this program are from Temple, I still see my friends. I went abroad not knowing anyone and it was scary at first but I made some of the best friends in my life through this program and I am fortunate enough to see them on campus everyday.

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)

The food was inexpensive but I traveled around Europe a lot so my cost was higher than those who didn't travel as much.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably about $5,000-$6,000 for the semester but I traveled a lot and ate out a lot.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? -shop at the grocery stores and open air markets -book travel plans a few weeks in advance -spend money on experiences, not things

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

Everyone has to either take Italian 1001 before they arrive in Rome or during their semester there. I took it before I went and continued my language studies there and I found it very beneficial. People really appreciate when you try to talk to them in Italian.

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? Italian 1001
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? It is hard and frustrating to try to speak to native Italian speakers. However, they appreciate it and a lot of times they will help you. Just try to speak it whenever you can with whoever you can, you'll become more comfortable with the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The Location
  • The events that they provided
  • Through class seeing different parts of the city I wouldn't have seen as a tourist
* What could be improved?
  • The professors use of Blackboard
  • Wifi in the Residence
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There were a lot of things that I had wished I knew before going. Once I got there I realized I was just nervous and I am glad I had to figure some stuff out on my own.

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 Urbanite
A 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.