Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

All roads lead to Temple Rome - a once in a lifetime experience! March 04, 2026

By (Ancient/Classical Greek Language, Literature & Linguistics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/02/2026 to 12/20/2025 with

Temple University International Programs: Rome - Temple University in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely!

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.

My classes were a little easier than my home university equivalents, but this was good as it allowed more time for exploring and visiting museums and the like, which were experiences unique to Rome. All my professors were incredibly knowledgeable!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location, good flatmates, clean, swift assistance when something broke

* Food:

Campus had a great location, and there were a few cheap place really close by.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was not immersion and on the day-to-day I did not have utilize my Italian too much

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any need to use the insurance they provided, but they had kind nurses on site sometimes, a doctor on call, and student support 24hrs if you need help.

* Safety:

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

It was a great program, and most of the struggles I had were social and not necessarily something specific to Temple itself. But the staff they have as Alumni Assistants and therapy/psychiatry are available to talk and I know people who derived benefit from them.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Living in Rome I could budget pretty extensively, and travel in the surrounding region was fairly cheap. With my longer excursions throughout Italy and to other countries I spent around $1000 a month.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? 2 semesters
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? I used it the most when I was visiting towns/less touristy places, but its pretty easy to speak English so the onus is on you to chat up locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • I really enjoyed all my classes
  • I made a couple good friends I hope will remain in my life for a long time
  • Every day I had to walk by ruins and monuments, there were so many museums, it was so easy to get on a train or bus and visit another city, so cheap to fly around the Mediterrranean
* What could be improved?
  • I wish there was more/slightly cheaper on campus food options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's not as scary as I thought it would be!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Rome Sketchbook
Course Department: Fine art
Instructor: Roberto Caracciolo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Every week we had a field trip to a neighborhood/museum/pak with a professor who was so kind and also gave really helpful feedback!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Fresco
Course Department: Fine arts
Instructor: William Petit
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class offered an amazing opportunity to paint a public fresco in a small town where the locals don't speak English. Super cool. The class was basically all group assignments, which is weird but I liked my classmates and it was pretty good. Biggest downside is that the professor is a jerk, but over time you get used to that.
Credit Transfer Issues: