La Vita Bella a Roma Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Being in Rome has truly given me a perspective of different academic atmosphere. It was nice to be a small classroom where by the first week of class professors a;ready knew your first name and recognized your face. There was certainly more hands on help, but the workload is not as easy as people portray study abroad to be. It wasn't impossible but it certainly wasn't a walk in the park. The on-site classes were certainly my favorite aspect of the courses. Being physically present in the setting which you're learning is incredible and extremely helpful.

On-site administration of your program

The administration office was all I could've asked for in helping me transition into the Roman education and living. They offered one-on-one assistance and e-mail were responded to immediately, except sometimes on weekends...but then again who does?

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangement was ideal for adapting to Rome. I live in an apartment with 5 other American girls: 2 from my home university and 3 from other American programs. Although I was not exposed to the language at home it was nice to have a taste of home while being there, being able to communicate in the same language and share many cultural similarities. I had some familiar faces from Miami but I got to meet people from other parts of the States and other Universities. The apartment is in a building where other Roman families live so quiet hours were enforced, but it was nice to blend in with other Roman families. There were also other students in the apartment to running into each other in the halls and having each other over for dinner was nice. Our apartment is located in Trastevere, which is amazing. It is residential enough to get the Roman experience but close enough to have a comfortable commute to pretty much everywhere. It is a 10 minute tram ride away from the center of the city, a 20 minute walk from campus (or if you decide public transportation, about 20 minutes as well, you just avoid the uphill climb, which I believe to be enjoyable and necessary because of all the food you eat). It is also a 5 minute walk to Testaccio, the night life area and 10 minute tram ride to Campo di Fiori, another night life area. All in all, our location was ideal.

It is impossible to rate the food as anything but amazing in Rome. I did cook most of the week-nights, but weekend were the perfect opportunity to eat out. You're experience is not complete if you don't go to Tony's in Trastevere, he welcomes Americans with a warm hug and plenty of food to elave you satisfied. He loves large crowds and offers discounts most of the time. It is really great. And you MUST try the Penne alla Vodka or the Chicken Parmessan. Pizza Boom on Viale di Trastevere is another must have. it is great for a quick lunch. The Salumeria on Via Carini is perhaps my favorite quick stop. You get to create your own pannino with fresh cold-cuts and cheeses. The two brothers which run the place will welcome you with a smile. For gelato, Giolitti is the place to go...It is rumored Pope John Paul II got his gelato there!! And if you are near the Vatican Museums you must try the 200 pannini's. They are a great way to hang out with friends and try the most amazing panninis you will get in Rome, close tie to the Salumeria on Carini. And while you're there enjoy a gelato at Old Bridge. If you prefer to cook hit up the Campo di Fiori market for fresh ingredients, you will not regret the visit there.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Just the thought that you can jump on a train and be in Florence in the next 3 hours in amazing. Or take a cheap flight out to Paris or Prague. I think travelling was definitely the most memorable experience. Getting to see the major cities which you always hear about but never thought you would be seeing with your best friends on a casual weekend. But despite the accessibility of travelling don't forget to see Rome. Because you will regret it time to go back home if you haven't strolled the streets of Rome at night or thrown the coin inside the Trevi.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All I can say regarding safety is: you have to be smart. Don't make yourself a target and you will be fine. I was never pick pocketed, because I made it a priority to use my peripherals and see if anyone was following me and of course I never strolled the streets alone at night. Use the buddy system and watch your back and you should be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The classroom is Rome.
• The people which were elected all brought something unique to the table. Truly a great team.
• The classes were phenomenal.

• Preparation for what to pack and what not to pack.
• More group trips would've been great.
• Knowing the housing in advance.